Nakshatra, also known as a lunar mansion or constellation, refers to the 27 daughters of king Daksha and Panchajani (Virani) who were all married to the Moon. These 27 constellations are around 400 light-years away from earth. The word ‘Naks’ in ‘Nakshatra’ means sky while ‘shetra’ means region. In short, Nakshatra means ‘Sky Map’ or the group of stars that refers to the 12 zodiac signs.

The names of 27 nakshatras with their rulling deities are Ashwini (Aswini Kumara), Bharani (Yama), Krittika (Agni), Rohini (Brahma), Mrigshirsha (Moon), Ardra (Shiva), Punarvasu (Aditi), Pushya (Jupiter), Ashlesha (Rahu), Magha (Pitr), Purvaphalguni (Bhaga), Uttaraphalguni (Sun), Hasta (Savitr), Chitra (Viswakarma), Swati (Vayu), Vishakha (Indra Agni), Anuradha (Mitra), Jyeshtha (Indra), Moola (Varuna Nirriti), Purvashadha (Apah), Uttarashadha (Brahma), Shravana (Vishnu), Dhanishtha (Vasu), Shatbhisha (Varuna), Poorvabhadrapada (Ekapada), Uttarabhadrapada (Ahirbudhanya) and Revati (Pushan). These nakshatras are again broadly divided according as per species, owner, sex, caste, etc.

Moon takes approx 27 days to make one complete orbit around the Earth. Nakshatras are 27 segments through which the moon crosses to complete one orbit. Each segment is denoted by the prominent star present in or near to the respective sectors. The moon crosses one sector per day and thus, on the 27th day complete a full one orbit around the earth.

Nakshatra plays a very important role in a person’s life. Each nakshatra measures 13 degree and 20 minutes. The calculation is derived by dividing 360 degrees (a measure of a circle) into 27 equals. Each nakshatra is recognised by the symbolic forms of stars, ruling planet and presiding deities.