What is a Nakshatra?
In Vedic astrology, nakshatras (also called lunar mansions) are formed by dividing the Moon's orbit into 27 equal segments. Each nakshatra spans 13°20' (13 degrees and 20 minutes).
The Moon takes about 27.3 days to complete one revolution, spending roughly one day in each nakshatra. The nakshatra the Moon occupies at the time of birth is called the person's birth nakshatra (Janma Nakshatra).
The nakshatra system is the cornerstone of Vedic astrology. Kundli matching (Guna Milan), dasha calculation (Vimshottari Dasha), muhurat selection, and naming ceremonies are all based on nakshatras.
What are Nakshatra Padas?
Each nakshatra is divided into 4 padas (quarters). Each pada spans 3°20'. 27 nakshatras x 4 padas = 108 padas, distributed as 9 padas per sign across 12 zodiac signs (108 / 12 = 9).
Padas are used in naming ceremonies. Each pada is assigned a specific syllable. The first letter of a child's name is chosen based on the pada of their birth nakshatra.
Significance of Nakshatras
- • Kundli Matching: the Ashtakoot (36-point) system derives Nadi (8 points), Yoni (4 points), Gana (6 points), and other kootas from nakshatras.
- • Vimshottari Dasha: the birth nakshatra determines the starting point and sequence of the 120-year dasha cycle.
- • Muhurat: auspicious timings are chosen based on the lunar nakshatra.
- • Naming: the auspicious first letter of a child's name is determined by birth nakshatra and pada.
- • Medical astrology: each nakshatra is associated with a specific body part.