Understanding Nakshatras: Their Significance, Lords, and Characteristics

Nakshatra according to western ideologies just means constellations. The word “Nakshatra” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Naksha” means “map” or “plan,” and “Tra” means “to protect” or “to guard.” Therefore, Nakshatras are often interpreted as celestial maps of the sky that influence various aspects of life on Earth.

The Vedic literature however, begs to differ. According to Mahabharat, the nakshatras are the 27 daughters of Daksha and wives of Chandra Dev personified. 

Read this blog to know about 27 Nakshatras and their Lords. We will also discuss Their Significance, and Characteristics.

27 Nakshatras and their Lords

The list of nakshatras is given below:

No.	Nakshatra Name	Astrological Leader
1	Asvini	Ketu (South lunar node)
2	Bharani	Shukra (Venus)
3	Krttika	Surya (Sun)
4	Rohini	Chandra (Moon)
5	Mrgasira	Mangala (Mars)
6	Ardra	Rahu (North lunar node)
7	Punarvasu (dual)	Guru (Jupiter)
8	Pusya/Tishya	Shani (Saturn)
9	Aslesa	Budha (Mercury)
10	Magha	Ketu (South lunar node)
11	Purva Phalguni	Shukra (Venus)
12	Uttara Phalguni	Surya (Sun)
13	Hasta	Chandra (Moon)
14	Chitra	Mangala (Mars)
15	Svati	Rahu (North lunar node)
16	Visakha	Guru (Jupiter)
17	Anuradha	Shani (Saturn)
18	Jyestha	Budha (Mercury)
19	Mula	Ketu (South lunar node)
20	Purva Asadha	Shukra (Venus)
21	Uttara Asadha	Surya (Sun)
22	Abhijit	Brahma
23	Sravana	Chandra (Moon)
24	Dhanistha	Mangala (Mars)
25	Satabhisa	Rahu (North lunar node)
26	Purva Bhadrapada	Guru (Jupiter)
27	Uttara Bhadrapada	Shani (Saturn)
28	Revati	Budha (Mercury)

Significance Of Nakshatras

Nakshatras are extremely important when it comes to Vedic astrology as they often are used to give insights about a person’s traits, characteristics and fate. Each nakshatra is associated with a specific lord of that nakshatra, which often determines the destiny of that individual. They are often used to determine various auspicious dates or timings for important events sometimes even predicting important life events

Characteristics of 27 nakshatras

1. Ashwini Nakshatra

People born under this nakshatra are determined and often successful. They value relationships but may sometimes participate in immoral activities.

2. Bharani Nakshatra

Individuals born under this nakshatra are sincere, loyal, and determined. They can be disrespectful at times.

3. Krittika Nakshatra

Self-motivated individuals with a sharp wit, but they may struggle with anger and indecision.

4. Rohini Nakshatra

Materialistic and authoritative individuals who fear change and may become aggressive when things don’t go as expected.

5. Mrigasira Nakshatra

Appreciators of beauty and love, though they may struggle with restlessness and financial management.

6. Arda Nakshatra

Emotionally intelligent individuals who sometimes struggle with self-destructive behaviors and anger management.

7. Punarvasu Nakshatra

Energetic and resilient individuals who may become excessively aggressive when provoked.

8. Pushya Nakshatra

Charismatic and approachable individuals, but they may be impulsive and vulnerable to manipulation.

9. Ashlesha Nakshatra

Intelligent and deep thinkers who may struggle with emotional fragility.

10. Magha Nakshatra

Dignified individuals who are admired for their presence, but they may become arrogant and aggressive.

11. Purva Phalguni Nakshatra

Self-caring individuals who may become self-indulgent and narcissistic.

12. Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra

Compassionate individuals who may struggle with impatience and impulsiveness.

13. Hasta Nakshatra

Generous individuals susceptible to deception and unease in uncertain situations.

14. Chitra Nakshatra

Emotional individuals prone to mood swings and outbursts.

    15. Swati Nakshatra

Skilled communicators who may feel restless when deviating from routines.

     16. Vishaka Nakshatra

Determined individuals who may appear emotionally distant.

     17. Anuradha Nakshatra

Loving individuals who may become domineering when threatened.

    18. Jyestha Nakshatra

Mysterious individuals who may struggle with trust issues.

   19. Moola Nakshatra

Passionate individuals with strong morals, though they may display cruelty.

  20. Purva Ashadha Nakshatra

Independent individuals with hidden limitations.

  21. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra

Assertive individuals with compassionate natures but prone to inappropriate decisions.

  22. Shravana Nakshatra

Energetic individuals who may struggle with handling life challenges.

23. Dhanishta Nakshatra

Respected individuals who may hold grudges for a long time.

24. Shatabhisha Nakshatra

Self-discovery seekers who may grapple with ego issues.

25. Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra

Knowledge seekers who may appear judgmental.

26. Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra

Respected individuals with occasional impulsiveness and anger issues.

27. Revati Nakshatra

Brave individuals who may struggle with indecision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Bad Nakshatra for Birth?

Certain Nakshatras like Gandanta (Jyeshtha, Moola, Ashlesha, Magha, Revati, and Ashwini) are considered bad for birth. Also, Nakshatras ruled by Rahu (Ardra, Swati, and Shatabhisha), and those in the third, fifth, and seventh houses from your birth Nakshatra may bring problems and instability in life.

Q2: Which Nakshatras are said to be special?

Nakshatras like Abhishek, known for leadership and spirituality, Vainasika, associated with knowledge and the arts, Naidhana, linked to freedom and spiritual growth, Sanghatika, related to creativity, and Jaato, symbolizing new beginnings and potential in life.

Q3: Which Nakshatra is are known to be Intelligent?

Nakshatras like Ashwini, Mrigashira, Jyeshtha, and Shatabhisha are known to be associated with intelligence. People born under these Nakshatras are often seen as smart and sharp, but intelligence isn’t solely dependant by Nakshatras.

Q3: Which Nakshatra is are known to be Intelligent?

Nakshatras like Ashwini, Mrigashira, Jyeshtha, and Shatabhisha are known to be associated with intelligence. People born under these Nakshatras are often seen as smart and sharp, but intelligence isn’t solely dependant by Nakshatras.

Q4: Which Nakshatra is Known to be lucky?

Some lucky Nakshatras to be born under include Rohini, which is known for charm and creativity, Uttara Phalguni, which are linked to ambition and leadership, Uttara Ashadha, associated with courage and justice, Uttara Bhadrapada, connected to intelligence and communication, and Revati, symbolizing compassion and spirituality. People born under these Nakshatras are believed to have good qualities and luck.