Nakshatra
నక్షత్రం
Sanskrit: नक्षत्र · Category: Panchanga
Quick Definition
Lunar mansion — one of 27 divisions of the ecliptic, each 13°20'.
Detailed Explanation
The 27 nakshatras are the cornerstone of Vedic astrology. The Moon transits one nakshatra in approximately one day. Each nakshatra has a presiding deity, an animal yoni, a gana classification, and a planetary lord. The nakshatra at the Moon's position at birth is your Janma Nakshatra, used for namakaran (naming), muhurtam selection, dasha calculation, and compatibility matching.
See Also
Related Terms
Author & Sources
Compiled by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma, Vedic Astrologer & Panchangam Scholar. Definitions cross-referenced against classical texts: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Muhurta Chintamani, Surya Siddhanta, Gṛhya Sūtras. See the full Vedic Glossary for 58 terms across Panchanga, Astrology, Calendar, Dosha, Ritual, and Sanskara categories.