Nakshatras:An Overview

Nakshatras: An Overview

Nakshatras are basically the lunar constellations, the fixed bodies in the Zodiac, directly connected to the moon. While our 12 sunsigns or "rasis" are connected to the sun and shows our essential qualities and zodiac personalities, Nakshatras have a different role to play. Nakshatras basically control different states of our mind and emotions at various times and phases of our life. For any event, phase, feeling, state of mind, we behave in different ways depending on the situation and circumstances, all due to the positioning of our Nakshatras. Hence, the study of these heavenly bodies is very important to understanding the celestial influences on our planet. These nakshatras belong to three main groups: Deva (divine), Manusha (human) and Rakshasa (Demon).

Total Number of Nakshatras

There are 27 Nakshatras. All the 27 Nakshatras divide the entire zodiac of 360 degree equally, and hence each nakshatra occupies approximately 13.2 degrees arc of the zodiac. Some spiritual texts however, mention 28 nakshatras for specific spiritual purposes. But, usually, in vedic astrology, 27 nakshatras are considered. These 27 nakshatras are used for day-to-day analysis, like as birth chart analysis, dasas analysis etc. These 27 Nakshatras or constellations are 300 to 400 light years away from earth. Each Nakshatra has different ruling deities, owned by different planets and each nakshatra has its qualities different from each other. Based on an individual's moon Nakshatra at the time of birth, a powerful predictive technique can be applied in astrology. At the time of birth, the nakshatra in which the moon is placed is known as the individual’s Janma Nakshatra, which shows the basis nature and temperament of the person.

Names of the 27 Nakshatras

Ashvini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigasira, Ardra, Punarvasu,Pushya,Ashlesha,Magha,Purvaphalguni,Uttarphalguni,

Hasta,Chitra,Swati,Vishaka,Anuradha,Jyeshtha,Moola,Poorvashada,

Uttarashada,Sravana,Dhanishta,Satabhisha,Poorvabhadrapad,Uttarbhadrapad,

Revati.

Nakshatra Padas governed by the five elements

There are four Nakshatra Padas of each Nakshatra which follows the same pattern of the zodiac signs in a cyclical manner. The first pada is governed by fire element just like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius in the zodiac. The second Nakshatra pada is the earth element just as represented by the signs Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn. We have the third Nakshatra pada governed by air and the fourth pada by water. This cycle repeats across all the nakshatras.

Basis for the Navatara Chakra: Mapping of Nakshatras and Rasis

Let us now find out how the 27 Nakshatras combine with the 12 Rasis to have planetary influence in our lives through their positioning and placement. Each nakshatra has 4 quarters or padas, having a duration of 3 degrees 20 minutes each, and hence the total duration of the nakshatra is 13 degrees 20 minutes. All across the zodiac, there are 108 padas. 1 zodiac sign is 30 degrees, and hence the nakshatra cannot be mapped exactly on the Rasis. As a result, we have 9 nakshatras mapped to 4 Rasis. Thus, the zodiac of 27 nakshatras and 12 Rasis is divided into 3 parts, measuring 120 degrees each. This forms the basis of the Navatara Chakra. The chakra implies that the nakshatras have three groups with 9 each, which start from the Janma or Lagna Nakshatra.

The Nakshatra and the zodiac signs, thus start from the same point. The beginning of the first Nakshatra "Ashwini" is same as the first zodiac sign Aries. The first sign also ends with first pada of Nakshatra. For example, Aries starts with 1st pada of Ashwini and ends with the 1st pada of Krittika. Similarly, the second sign starts and ends with second pada of Nakshatra. For example, Taurus starts with 2nd pada of Krittika and ends with 2nd pada of Mrgashiras. This cycle applies for all Nakshatras and signs. Hence, each sign is affected by the combined influence of the Nakshatras falling with it.

Importance of Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

Nakshatra is a Sanskrit word, derived from two words "Naksha" (meaning map) and "tara" meaning "stars", the combined meaning of which is "map of stars". These stars give direction to the planet, and hence Nakshatra is very important in Vedic astrology. For signs of exaltation, debilitation, lordships etc. which are the most commonly referred or discussed things in astrology, importance of Nakshatras cannot be ignored in astrology. Let us know the importance of Nakshatras below:

The birth chart falls both under a specific zodiac sign and also on a specific nakshatra and its pada. This makes predictions more accurate.


Even if sometimes the zodiac sign falls in sign of its debilitation, but if the ruling planet of the Nakshatra is placed in auspicious position, it can give positive outcomes.


One of the most followed dasha in the Dasha system is Vimshottari Dasha, which is based on these Nakshatras. At the time of birth of a person, his planet dasha is ruled by the moon nakshatra.


Nakshatras provide specific objectives to the zodiac signs such as Nakshatra gives Artha or material gain, Kama or pleasures, Dharma or duties and obligations, and Moksha or liberation and death.


With nakshatra, the physical traits and basic nature of a person can also be determined.


The mindset of a person can also be determined with moon Nakshatra. For example, if a person is born in Magha Nakshatra, he develops the attitude like that of a king.


Any planet placed in a particular Nakshatra has its influence of its lord on it. The Nakshtra lord is also a planet and has some signs under it. Hence, it has an influencing effect on the planet. For example, if the Mercury planet is placed in Bharani Nakshatra, Mercury will have the effects of Venus and would also show certain results of Libra and Taurus.


Just like rashi exchange, Nakshatra exchange is also powerful. Nakshtra exchange can change the results of entire mahadashas and alter entire lordships.