Nakshatra

Nakshatra (ecliptic Asterism)

In Hindu astrology, Nakshatra refers to the lunar mansion or constellation through which the Moon passes during its monthly journey around the Earth. Nakshatras are an integral part of the Hindu lunar calendar system and are used to determine auspicious timings, personality traits, and other astrological considerations.

The word “Nakshatra” is derived from the Sanskrit language and can be translated as “that which never decays.” There are 27 Nakshatras that are evenly spaced along the ecliptic, which is the path the Sun appears to take across the celestial sphere throughout the year.

Each Nakshatra is associated with a particular star or a group of stars and has its own unique energy and qualities.

Names of Nakshatras

1 Ashwini
2 Bharani
3 Krittika
4 Rohini
5 Mrigashira
6 Ardra
7 Punarvasu
8 Pushya
9 Ashlesha
10 Magha
11 Purva Phalguni
12 Uttara Phalguni
13 Hasta
14 Chitra
15 Swati
16 Vishakha
17 Anuradha
18 Jyeshta
19 Moola
20 Purva Ashadha
21 Uttara Ashadha
22 Shravana
23 Dhanishta
24 Shatabhisha
25 Purva Bhadrapada
26 Uttara Bhadrapada
27 Revati

There is also a Nakshatra Named Abhijeet. but its path overlaps with othere Nakshtra therefore it is not counted.
I will explain this Nakshatra in another article.

Each Nakshatra is associated with specific qualities, ruling deities, ruling planets, and symbolic meanings and association of life form or objects like animals, trees, foods or metals. Nakshatras are used for various astrological purposes, including determining auspicious timings for important events, matching horoscopes for marriage compatibility, and interpreting the influence of planetary placements.

Astrologers often consider the Nakshatra placement of the Moon at the time of a person’s birth to determine their Nakshatra or birth star, which is believed to influence their characteristics and life experiences.