Panchang

The 27 Nakshatras: Meaning, Full List & Your Birth Star

By Naam Jaap Editorial Team · July 2, 2026 · 3 min read

Nakshatra is the third limb of the Panchang and one of the most fascinating. If tithi tracks the Moon's phase, the nakshatra tracks where the Moon sits among the stars. Your janma nakshatra (birth star) shapes your name, your rituals, and traditional matchmaking. Here's a clear guide.

What is a nakshatra?

A nakshatra is a lunar mansion — one of 27 segments the sky is divided into along the Moon's path. Each nakshatra spans exactly 13°20′ of the zodiac (27 × 13°20′ = 360°). The Moon travels through roughly one nakshatra per day, completing all 27 in about a month.

Each nakshatra has its own ruling deity, ruling planet, symbol and set of qualities, and is further divided into four padas (quarters).

The full list of 27 nakshatras

Your janma nakshatra (birth star)

Your janma nakshatra is the nakshatra the Moon occupied at the moment of your birth. It's one of the most personal points in Vedic astrology and is used for:

• Naming (Namkaran): traditionally, a baby's name begins with a syllable assigned to their birth nakshatra and pada.
• Matchmaking (Guna Milan): the "Ashtakoot" compatibility score used in Hindu marriages is based largely on the couple's birth nakshatras.
• Muhurat: certain nakshatras are favoured for specific activities — travel, housewarming, starting studies, and so on.
• Birthday rituals: many people celebrate their nakshatra birthday (when the Moon returns to their birth star) alongside the calendar one.

Nakshatras and daily life

The nakshatra of the day matters for choosing muhurats. For example, some nakshatras are considered excellent for beginnings and journeys, while a few (like Mula or the "Gandanta" junctions) call for extra care. A Panchang shows the current nakshatra and when it changes.

A note on counting: classical texts sometimes mention a 28th nakshatra, Abhijit, but the standard Panchang works with 27.

Frequently asked questions

How many nakshatras are there?

There are 27 nakshatras, each covering 13°20′ of the zodiac. The Moon passes through about one nakshatra each day.

What is a janma nakshatra?

Your janma nakshatra, or birth star, is the nakshatra the Moon was in at the exact time of your birth. It's used for naming, matchmaking and choosing auspicious times.

How do I find my nakshatra?

Your birth nakshatra is calculated from your date, exact time and place of birth. The nakshatra of any given day can be seen in a Panchang set to your city.

Why does the nakshatra change during the day?

Because the Moon moves continuously, each nakshatra begins and ends at a specific time — so the ruling nakshatra can change partway through the day, which a Panchang will show.