A nakshatra is one of 27 equal segments of the zodiac, each spanning 13°20′, through which the Moon travels. Together they divide the ecliptic into the lunar mansions that underpin much of Vedic astrology, including the Vimshottari Dasha.
Each nakshatra has a ruling graha. The nine lords repeat in the same order (Ketu → Venus → Sun → Moon → Mars → Rahu → Jupiter → Saturn → Mercury) three times across the 27 nakshatras — which is why the Moon's birth nakshatra sets the starting Vimshottari period.
- Count
- 27 nakshatras
- Span each
- 13°20′ (1/27 of the zodiac)
- Ruled by
- The 9 grahas, repeating 3 times
The 27 nakshatras and their lords
| # | Nakshatra | Ruling graha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwini | Ketu |
| 2 | Bharani | Venus |
| 3 | Krittika | Sun |
| 4 | Rohini | Moon |
| 5 | Mrigashira | Mars |
| 6 | Ardra | Rahu |
| 7 | Punarvasu | Jupiter |
| 8 | Pushya | Saturn |
| 9 | Ashlesha | Mercury |
| 10 | Magha | Ketu |
| 11 | Purva Phalguni | Venus |
| 12 | Uttara Phalguni | Sun |
| 13 | Hasta | Moon |
| 14 | Chitra | Mars |
| 15 | Swati | Rahu |
| 16 | Vishakha | Jupiter |
| 17 | Anuradha | Saturn |
| 18 | Jyeshtha | Mercury |
| 19 | Mula | Ketu |
| 20 | Purva Ashadha | Venus |
| 21 | Uttara Ashadha | Sun |
| 22 | Shravana | Moon |
| 23 | Dhanishta | Mars |
| 24 | Shatabhisha | Rahu |
| 25 | Purva Bhadrapada | Jupiter |
| 26 | Uttara Bhadrapada | Saturn |
| 27 | Revati | Mercury |
सामान्य प्रश्न · FAQ
How many nakshatras are there?
There are 27 nakshatras, each spanning 13°20′ of the zodiac.
Which planet rules the first nakshatra, Ashwini?
Ashwini is ruled by Ketu.
Related concepts
Vimshottari Dasha — the 120-year planetary timeline The 12 Rashis (zodiac signs), lords and elements The 9 Grahas (planets) of Vedic astrology
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Definitions are computed from the BDA jyotish engine's canonical tables (Lahiri ayanamsa). This page explains the concept; personal outcomes depend on the full birth chart, dasha, location and current Panchang.