Nakshatra Constellations

The zodiac is the 360 degree imaginary belt on the celestial sphere and extends 9 degree on both sides of the ecliptic (the apparent path of the sun as seen from earth). Vedic astrology divides the zodiac into 27 nakshatra constellations of 13.33 degree each. Each constellation has unique characterisitcs and some nakshatras are good and some are bad. The nine planets own the 27 constellations and their lordship is important in predicting results of a horoscope. The following tables gives both Hindu and English names of nakshatras/stars and their lords. Each nakshatra is also divided into padas of 3.33 degrees each. So there is four padas for each nakshatra.

Janma nakshatra or birth star is the nakshatra occupied by the moon at the time birth. Suppose if moon occupies 16 degree longitude at birth the nakshatra will be Bharani. Since first 13.33 goes to Aswani and after that comes Bharani and its range is from 13.33 to 26.666 degrees. Janma nakshatra plays important role in marriage match making. Indian astrological system gives much importance to horoscope matching for peaceful and prosperous life of couples after marriage.