Free calculator
Nakshatra Calculator
Your Janma Nakshatra is the lunar mansion the Moon occupied when you were born. It sets the starting point of your Vimshottari Dasha, is used for naming ceremonies and marriage matching, and is one of the most personal factors in Vedic astrology.
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What is a Nakshatra?
The zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) of 13°20′ each — roughly the distance the Moon travels in a day. Each nakshatra has a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbol and a temperament (gana), and is divided into four padas (quarters) of 3°20′. Each pada corresponds to one navamsa sign.
Because the Moon moves quickly, your birth nakshatra can change within a day. That is why this calculator uses your birth time and place, not just the date.
Frequently asked questions
How is the birth Nakshatra calculated?
We calculate the Moon’s sidereal longitude at your birth moment using the Lahiri ayanamsha and divide the zodiac into 27 equal parts of 13°20′. The part containing the Moon is your Janma Nakshatra; the quarter within it is your pada.
Can I find my Nakshatra from my date of birth alone?
Often, but not always. The Moon spends about a day in each nakshatra, so on many dates it changes nakshatra at some point during the day. Adding the birth time removes the ambiguity.
What is the difference between Nakshatra and Rashi?
Rashi (Moon sign) is the 30° zodiac sign holding the Moon. Nakshatra is a finer 13°20′ division. Each Rashi contains two and a quarter nakshatras.