27 Nakshatras and Their Ruling Planets: Quick Reference Guide

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions that divide the 360-degree zodiac into segments of 13 degrees 20 minutes each. While the 12 Rashis (zodiac signs) provide the broad framework of Vedic astrology, the Nakshatras offer a much finer level of personality analysis, predictive timing, and compatibility assessment. Think of Rashis as states and Nakshatras as specific cities within those states: both tell you something about a person, but the Nakshatra provides far greater specificity. The Nakshatra system is one of Vedic astrology's most ancient and original contributions to world astronomy. References to Nakshatras appear in the Rig Veda, the oldest known text of any Indo-European language, dating back several thousand years. The Atharvaveda and Yajurveda contain detailed Nakshatra listings, and the Taittiriya Brahmana maps specific deities and rituals to each Nakshatra. Each Nakshatra is governed by a planetary ruler (one of the nine Grahas), a presiding deity, and a Shakti (unique power or capacity). The planetary ruler connects the Nakshatra to the Vimshottari Dasha system, determining which planetary period you are born into and the sequence that follows. The deity reveals the mythological and spiritual archetype of the Nakshatra. The Shakti describes the specific creative power or ability that the Nakshatra bestows upon those born under it. The seven planets plus Rahu and Ketu each rule three Nakshatras. This creates a repeating pattern: Ketu rules Ashwini, Magha, and Mula. Venus rules Bharani, Purva Phalguni, and Purva Ashadha. Sun rules Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, and Uttara Ashadha. Moon rules Rohini, Hasta, and Shravan. Mars rules Mrigashira, Chitra, and Dhanishta. Rahu rules Ardra, Swati, and Shatabhisha. Jupiter rules Punarvasu, Vishakha, and Purva Bhadrapada. Saturn rules Pushya, Anuradha, and Uttara Bhadrapada. Mercury rules Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, and Revati.

Ashwini (0:00 to 13:20 Aries) is ruled by Ketu with the Ashwini Kumars as deity. Symbol: horse head. Shakti: Shidhra Vyapani (quick healing). Natives are fast, healing-oriented, and independent pioneers. Bharani (13:20 to 26:40 Aries) is ruled by Venus with Yama (death god) as deity. Symbol: yoni (female reproductive organ). Shakti: Apabharani (removal of impurities). Natives carry intense creative and transformative energy with deep understanding of life-death cycles. Krittika (26:40 Aries to 10:00 Taurus) is ruled by Sun with Agni (fire god) as deity. Symbol: razor or flame. Shakti: Dahana (burning or purifying). Natives are sharp, critical, purifying, and authoritative with strong digestion and will. Rohini (10:00 to 23:20 Taurus) is ruled by Moon with Brahma (creator) as deity. Symbol: cart or chariot. Shakti: Rohana (growth and creation). Natives are beautiful, creative, materially abundant, and magnetically charming. Mrigashira (23:20 Taurus to 6:40 Gemini) is ruled by Mars with Soma (Moon deity) as deity. Symbol: deer head. Shakti: Prinana (giving fulfillment). Natives are curious seekers, gentle yet restless, with a searching nature. Ardra (6:40 to 20:00 Gemini) is ruled by Rahu with Rudra (storm god) as deity. Symbol: teardrop or diamond. Shakti: Yatna (effort that brings achievement). Natives experience destruction followed by renewal, intellectual intensity, and emotional depth. Punarvasu (20:00 Gemini to 3:20 Cancer) is ruled by Jupiter with Aditi (mother of gods) as deity. Symbol: bow and quiver. Shakti: Vasutva Prapana (ability to gain wealth and substance). Natives are optimistic, regenerative, and return to goodness after setbacks. Pushya (3:20 to 16:40 Cancer) is ruled by Saturn with Brihaspati (Jupiter deity) as deity. Symbol: flower, circle, or udder. Shakti: Brahmavarchasa (spiritual energy). Considered the most auspicious Nakshatra for initiating endeavors. Ashlesha (16:40 to 30:00 Cancer) is ruled by Mercury with Sarpa (serpent deities) as deity. Symbol: coiled serpent. Shakti: Vishasleshana (infliction of poison and its removal). Natives possess mystical wisdom, hypnotic eyes, and deep psychological insight.

Magha (0:00 to 13:20 Leo) is ruled by Ketu with Pitris (ancestral spirits) as deity. Symbol: throne or palanquin. Shakti: Tyage Kshepani (leaving the body or material plane). Natives carry ancestral authority, regal bearing, and respect for tradition and lineage. Purva Phalguni (13:20 to 26:40 Leo) is ruled by Venus with Bhaga (god of marital bliss) as deity. Symbol: front legs of a bed. Shakti: Prajanana (creative procreation). Natives are creative, romantic, generous, and enjoy life's pleasures with artistic flair. Uttara Phalguni (26:40 Leo to 10:00 Virgo) is ruled by Sun with Aryaman (god of contracts and unions) as deity. Symbol: back legs of a bed. Shakti: Chayani (accumulation of wealth through marriage or partnership). Natives are reliable, service-oriented, and prosper through partnerships. Hasta (10:00 to 23:20 Virgo) is ruled by Moon with Savitar (Sun as creative vivifier) as deity. Symbol: open hand or fist. Shakti: Hasta Sthapaniya Agama (ability to gain what one seeks and place it in one's hands). Natives possess remarkable manual dexterity, healing hands, and skill in crafts. Chitra (23:20 Virgo to 6:40 Libra) is ruled by Mars with Tvashtar (celestial architect) as deity. Symbol: bright jewel or pearl. Shakti: Punya Cayani (accumulation of merit through beautiful creations). Natives are artistic, elegant, and create beauty in all forms. Swati (6:40 to 20:00 Libra) is ruled by Rahu with Vayu (wind god) as deity. Symbol: young plant shoot swaying in wind. Shakti: Pradhvamsa (scattering and transformation). Natives are independent, flexible, and skilled in business and diplomacy. Vishakha (20:00 Libra to 3:20 Scorpio) is ruled by Jupiter with Indra-Agni as deity. Symbol: triumphal arch or potter's wheel. Shakti: Vyapana (achieving many and various fruits in life). Natives are determined, goal-oriented, and capable of extraordinary focus. Anuradha (3:20 to 16:40 Scorpio) is ruled by Saturn with Mitra (god of friendship) as deity. Symbol: lotus flower. Shakti: Radhana (worship and spiritual attainment). Natives build deep friendships, overcome obstacles, and bloom in adverse conditions. Jyeshtha (16:40 to 30:00 Scorpio) is ruled by Mercury with Indra (king of gods) as deity. Symbol: circular amulet or umbrella. Shakti: Arohana (rising, conquering, gaining courage in battle). Natives possess authority, protective instinct, and courage in defending others.

Mula (0:00 to 13:20 Sagittarius) is ruled by Ketu with Nirriti (goddess of dissolution) as deity. Symbol: tied bunch of roots. Shakti: Barhana (ruining or destroying to find the root cause). Natives investigate root causes, uproot falsehood, and often experience transformative early life events. Purva Ashadha (13:20 to 26:40 Sagittarius) is ruled by Venus with Apas (water deity) as deity. Symbol: elephant tusk or fan. Shakti: Varchograhana (invigoration and enhancement). Natives are persuasive, purifying, and carry an invincible quality once committed. Uttara Ashadha (26:40 Sagittarius to 10:00 Capricorn) is ruled by Sun with Vishve Devas (universal gods) as deity. Symbol: elephant tusk or small bed. Shakti: Apradhrishya (granting unchallengeable victory). Natives possess lasting leadership, universal vision, and final victory in all undertakings. Shravan (10:00 to 23:20 Capricorn) is ruled by Moon with Vishnu (preserver) as deity. Symbol: ear or three footprints. Shakti: Samhanana (connection and linking together). Natives are excellent listeners, learners, and connectors who preserve knowledge. Dhanishta (23:20 Capricorn to 6:40 Aquarius) is ruled by Mars with Ashta Vasus (eight elemental gods) as deity. Symbol: drum or flute. Shakti: Khyapana (giving abundance and fame). Natives have musical talent, wealth accumulation ability, and group leadership skills. Shatabhisha (6:40 to 20:00 Aquarius) is ruled by Rahu with Varuna (ocean god) as deity. Symbol: empty circle or hundred flowers. Shakti: Bheshaja (healing and curing). Natives are independent healers, researchers, and mystical seekers who guard secrets. Purva Bhadrapada (20:00 Aquarius to 3:20 Pisces) is ruled by Jupiter with Aja Ekapada (one-footed goat) as deity. Symbol: front legs of funeral cot. Shakti: Yajamana Udyamana (elevation of spiritual awareness). Natives experience spiritual transformation through intense, sometimes painful experiences. Uttara Bhadrapada (3:20 to 16:40 Pisces) is ruled by Saturn with Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the depths) as deity. Symbol: back legs of funeral cot. Shakti: Varshodyamana (bringing rain and cosmic nourishment). Natives possess deep spiritual wisdom, emotional endurance, and mature compassion. Revati (16:40 to 30:00 Pisces) is ruled by Mercury with Pushan (nourisher and protector of travelers) as deity. Symbol: drum or fish. Shakti: Kshiradyapani (nourishment and growth). Natives are compassionate, protective of the vulnerable, wealthy, and drawn to creative and spiritual arts.

The most practically significant application of Nakshatras is the Vimshottari Dasha system, Vedic astrology's primary predictive timing tool. Your birth Nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra), specifically the precise degree of the Moon within it, determines which planetary Dasha you are born into and how much of that Dasha remains at birth. From that starting point, the Dashas unfold in a fixed sequence: Ketu (7 years), Venus (20 years), Sun (6 years), Moon (10 years), Mars (7 years), Rahu (18 years), Jupiter (16 years), Saturn (19 years), Mercury (17 years), totaling 120 years. For example, if you are born with Moon at 15 degrees in Punarvasu Nakshatra (ruled by Jupiter), you begin life in Jupiter Dasha. Based on the exact degree within Punarvasu, you might have 12.5 years of Jupiter Dasha remaining at birth, followed by 19 years of Saturn, 17 years of Mercury, and so on. The Dasha lord's placement in your birth chart colors the experience of that entire period. Jupiter in a strong position (own sign, exalted, in a Kendra or Trikona) makes Jupiter Dasha a period of growth, wisdom, expansion, and good fortune. Jupiter in a challenging position (debilitated, in Dusthana houses 6, 8, or 12, afflicted by malefics) makes the same Dasha period one of struggle in Jupiter-related areas: education, finance, children, and spiritual growth. Each Mahadasha contains Antardashas (sub-periods) of all nine planets, creating a matrix of timing that allows Jyotishis to predict events with remarkable specificity. Understanding your current Dasha-Antardasha combination is one of the most valuable insights Vedic astrology offers for life planning.

Beyond personality analysis and Dasha timing, Nakshatras play a vital daily role through the Panchang (Vedic almanac) and Muhurta (electional astrology) systems. The Panchang records five daily elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (Moon's current lunar mansion), Yoga (Sun-Moon angular relationship), and Karana (half of a Tithi). The Nakshatra element tells you which lunar mansion the Moon is transiting on any given day, and this information guides activity selection. Certain Nakshatras are considered universally auspicious for important activities. Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada are called Sthira (fixed) Nakshatras, ideal for activities meant to be permanent: building foundations, planting perennials, starting long-term commitments. Ashwini, Pushya, and Hasta are Kshipra (swift) Nakshatras, perfect for quick actions: travel, medical treatment, taking medicine, installing new equipment. Mrigashira, Chitra, Anuradha, and Revati are Mridu (soft) Nakshatras, suited for artistic, romantic, and pleasurable activities: music concerts, first dates, creative projects, buying clothes and jewelry. Conversely, some Nakshatras carry caution flags. Bharani, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, and Purva Bhadrapada are Ugra (fierce) Nakshatras, powerful for destruction, demolition, surgery, and confronting enemies but unfavorable for beginnings, celebrations, or gentle activities. Your personal Janma Nakshatra creates a daily rhythm through the Tara Bala system. The Nakshatras counted from your birth star fall into groups of three, creating a repeating pattern of Janma (neutral), Sampat (wealth), Vipat (danger), Kshema (prosperity), Pratyari (obstacles), Sadhaka (achievement), Vadha (death-like difficulty), Mitra (friendship), and Parama Mitra (supreme friendship). Tracking this daily Tara Bala through the Unlock Truth app helps you identify your most favorable and challenging days each month.

Finding your Janma Nakshatra requires knowing your exact birth date, time, and place, just as with determining your Moon sign. In fact, your Nakshatra is a refinement of your Moon sign: once you know the Moon's sidereal longitude at birth, the Nakshatra is automatically determined since each Nakshatra occupies exactly 13 degrees 20 minutes. Beyond the Janma Nakshatra (Moon's Nakshatra), advanced Jyotish analysis considers the Nakshatras of all planets. Your Lagna Nakshatra (Ascendant's Nakshatra) colors your physical appearance and personality. Your Sun's Nakshatra influences your career and public identity. Venus's Nakshatra shapes your romantic nature and artistic expression. Each planetary Nakshatra adds a layer of specificity to the birth chart interpretation. For practical daily application, track which Nakshatra the Moon transits each day. When the Moon passes through your Janma Nakshatra (approximately every 27 days), it creates a personal monthly cycle called Janma Nakshatra day. This day tends to be emotionally significant, sometimes bringing heightened intuition, emotional intensity, or important revelations. Many practitioners observe special dietary practices, meditation, or charity on their Janma Nakshatra day. For relationship compatibility, the Nakshatra-based Ashtakoot Milan system remains the most widely used matchmaking method in Indian culture. While modern life has expanded partnership choices beyond arranged marriage, the Ashtakoot system still provides genuinely useful insights about temperamental, emotional, and physical compatibility between two individuals. The Unlock Truth app provides comprehensive Nakshatra analysis including your complete Nakshatra profile, daily Nakshatra transit tracking, Tara Bala calculations, and Ashtakoot compatibility scoring for any two birth charts.