Nakshatra Calculator
What Is a Nakshatra in Vedic Astrology?
Your Nakshatra, also known as Janma Nakshatra or Birth Star, is one of the most important foundations of your birth chart. It represents the exact lunar constellation the Moon occupied at the time of your birth. Because the Moon governs emotions, instincts, and mental patterns, your Nakshatra reveals your emotional wiring, personality tendencies, and the kind of life experiences you naturally attract.
Atri’s free Nakshatra Calculator allows you to instantly discover your Janma Nakshatra by entering your birth date, time, and location. Within seconds, you receive your Nakshatra, Pada, and Rasi. These three elements together describe your inner nature, emotional style, and destiny path.
How Is Your Nakshatra Determined?
Your Nakshatra is calculated by identifying the exact degree of the Moon in your birth chart.
- The zodiac consists of twelve signs, from Aries to Pisces.
- Each sign is further divided into Nakshatras.
- Every Nakshatra spans approximately 13°20′, making it far more specific than the zodiac sign alone.
Why Knowing Your Nakshatra Matters
- It defines your emotional nature and instinctive reactions
- It determines the starting point of your Vimshottari Dasha cycle
- It forms the foundation of Kundli matching for marriage
- Many rituals and festivals are aligned with the Nakshatra of the day
- Traditional naming of children is based on Nakshatra syllables
Role of Nakshatra in Kundli Matching
In marriage compatibility analysis (out of 36 points), four of the eight Kootas directly depend on Nakshatras:
Nadi
8 PointsRepresents energy balance, health compatibility, and family harmony.
Gana
6 PointsReflects temperament alignment based on Deva, Manushya, or Rakshasa categories.
Yoni
4 PointsIndicates natural chemistry, attraction, and instinctive compatibility.
Tara
3 PointsRepresents harmony in longevity and fortune between the two birth stars.
The 27 Nakshatras in Order
Ashwini
Position: 0° Aries
Rule: Ketu
Bharani
Position: 13°20′ Aries
Rule: Venus
Krittika
Position: 26°40′ Aries to Taurus
Rule: Sun
Rohini
Position: 10° Taurus
Rule: Moon
Mrigashira
Position: 23°20′ Taurus to Gemini
Rule: Mars
Ardra
Position: 6°40′ Gemini
Rule: Rahu
Punarvasu
Position: 20° Gemini to Cancer
Rule: Jupiter
Pushya
Position: 3°20′ Cancer
Rule: Saturn
Ashlesha
Position: 16°40′ Cancer
Rule: Mercury
Magha
Position: 0° Leo
Rule: Ketu
Purva Phalguni
Position: 13°20′ Leo
Rule: Venus
Uttara Phalguni
Position: 26°40′ Leo to Virgo
Rule: Sun
Hasta
Position: 10° Virgo
Rule: Moon
Chitra
Position: 23°20′ Virgo to Libra
Rule: Mars
Swati
Position: 6°40′ Libra
Rule: Rahu
Vishakha
Position: 20° Libra to Scorpio
Rule: Jupiter
Anuradha
Position: 3°20′ Scorpio
Rule: Saturn
Jyeshtha
Position: 16°40′ Scorpio
Rule: Mercury
Mula
Position: 0° Sagittarius
Rule: Ketu
Purva Ashadha
Position: 13°20′ Sagittarius
Rule: Venus
Uttara Ashadha
Position: 26°40′ Sagittarius to Capricorn
Rule: Sun
Shravana
Position: 10° Capricorn
Rule: Moon
Dhanishta
Position: 23°20′ Capricorn to Aquarius
Rule: Mars
Shatabhisha
Position: 6°40′ Aquarius
Rule: Rahu
Purva Bhadrapada
Position: 20° Aquarius to Pisces
Rule: Jupiter
Uttara Bhadrapada
Position: 3°20′ Pisces
Rule: Saturn
Revati
Position: 16°40′ Pisces
Rule: Mercury
Nakshatras and Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign includes two complete Nakshatras and part of a third. This is why your Moon sign and Nakshatra work together.
The zodiac sign describes your broader personality traits, while the Nakshatra refines emotional details and mental tendencies.
For example, two people may both have a Cancer Moon. However, one born in Pushya and another in Ashlesha will express emotions and relationships very differently.
Nakshatras and the Four Padas
Every Nakshatra is divided into four Padas. These finer divisions personalise the interpretation even further.
- Pada 1:Action, purpose, independence
- Pada 2:Material stability, security, steady effort
- Pada 3:Communication, curiosity, relationships
- Pada 4:Emotionally deep, nurturing, spiritual
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answer to all your questions
Consult with our expert astrologers and get all your questions answered
