Nakshatra Calculator: Find Your Birth Star

Your Nakshatra, or birth star, is the part of the sky where the Moon was at the moment you were born. In Vedic astrology it is one of the most important facts in your chart. It is used in Kundli matching and in choosing days for important work. The report names the star, pada, lord, gana, yoni and nadi from the Moon.

What the Nakshatra report shows

• Janma Nakshatra and pada. Your birth star and which of its four quarters the Moon was in.
• Nakshatra lord. The planet that rules your star, which is also the planet of your first Mahadasha.
• Deity, symbol and nature. The traditional meaning of your star and the qualities it gives.
• Gana, Yoni and Nadi. The three factors used in Gun Milan for marriage.

The 27 Nakshatras

The zodiac of 360 degrees is divided into 27 equal Nakshatras of 13 degrees 20 minutes each. Each Nakshatra has four padas of 3 degrees 20 minutes. Nine planets rule the Nakshatras in a fixed order, which repeats three times.

Why the Nakshatra matters

Naming a child. Each pada has its own syllable. Many families choose a name that starts with the sound of the child's pada.

Dasha timing. The Vimshottari Dasha system starts from the lord of your birth Nakshatra. Knowing your star tells you which planetary period you were born into and what comes next.

Marriage matching. Four of the eight Kootas in Gun Milan, Tara, Yoni, Gana and Nadi, come straight from the Nakshatras of the boy and girl. Nadi alone carries 8 of the 36 points.

Muhurat. Auspicious dates for marriage, griha pravesh, travel and new work are chosen partly by the Nakshatra of the day and how it relates to your own star (Tara Bala).

Why exact birth time matters

The Moon moves through one Nakshatra in about a day, and through one pada in about six hours. If your birth time is off by a few hours, your pada and naming syllable can change. If the Moon was near the edge of a Nakshatra, even the Nakshatra can change. Use the time from the birth certificate or hospital record if you have it.

Read more about each star in our Astro Knowledge section, or check Kundli matching to see how your Nakshatra combines with your partner's.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my Nakshatra?

Enter your date, exact time and place of birth in the calculator. It finds the position of the Moon at that moment and shows your Nakshatra, pada and lord.

Is Nakshatra the same as Rashi?

No. Your Rashi is the Moon sign, one of 12 signs of 30 degrees. Your Nakshatra is a smaller division of 13 degrees 20 minutes. Each Rashi contains two and a quarter Nakshatras.

Can I find my Nakshatra without the birth time?

Sometimes. If the Moon stayed in one Nakshatra for the whole day you were born, the date is enough. If it changed Nakshatra that day, you need the time. The pada usually needs the time.

Which Nakshatra is the best?

No Nakshatra is good or bad by itself. Each has its own strengths. Results depend on the full birth chart, the strength of the Moon and the running Dasha.