Birth Nakshatra & Rashi Calculator

About your janma nakshatra

The Moon passes through 27 nakshatras, spending about a day in each. The nakshatra at your birth — your janma nakshatra — along with its pada (quarter) determines the traditional naming syllables and is used in matchmaking (guna milan) and rituals. Your rashi here is the moon sign (chandra rashi), which Vedic astrology emphasises over the sun sign.

What this calculator gives you

Enter your date, time and place of birth above and this tool instantly shows your janma nakshatra (the nakshatra the Moon occupied at the moment of birth), its pada (quarter), your moon sign (rashi), that day’s tithi, yoga, karana and gana, and the naming syllables for namkaran. These are all facts from astronomical calculation — no predictions. They are used in naming, marriage matching, dasha calculation and many rituals.

What is a janma nakshatra?

The zodiac (360°) is divided into 27 equal parts of 13°20′ each — these are the nakshatras, or lunar mansions. The Moon crosses one nakshatra in about a day and a quarter, and the nakshatra it occupies at the exact moment of your birth is your janma nakshatra (birth star). In Vedic astrology the janma nakshatra is especially important — it is the basis of a person’s temperament, the dasha sequence (the Vimshottari mahadasha begins from it), naming and marriage matching. Where Western astrology centres on the Sun sign, the Vedic tradition gives more weight to the janma nakshatra and the moon sign, because the Moon signifies the mind.

Rashi — moon sign vs sun sign

The rashi shown here is your moon sign (the sign the Moon was in at birth), not the newspaper Sun sign. Vedic astrology treats the moon sign as primary because the Moon signifies the mind, the emotions and daily life, and the dasha calculation is based on it. The twelve rashis (Aries to Pisces) and the 27 nakshatras relate such that each rashi contains two and a quarter nakshatras — which is why some nakshatras stretch across two rashis, for different padas. This is why the birth time is needed to know the exact rashi.

The four padas and naming

Each nakshatra is divided into four padas (quarters) of 3°20′ each. Each pada falls in a different navamsa (D9) sign, which subtly shades a person’s nature. In the namkaran tradition, a child’s name begins with a syllable set by the janma nakshatra and pada — each nakshatra has four syllables, one per pada. The calculator shows your exact pada and its naming syllable. See the naming syllables for all 27 nakshatras on the namkaran letters page.

Gana, nadi, yoni and guna milan

Every nakshatra has three classifications central to marriage matching (guna milan). Gana shows temperament — Deva (gentle, spiritual), Manushya (balanced) or Rakshasa (intense, forceful). Nadi relates to the ayurvedic constitution — Aadi (Vata), Madhya (Pitta) or Antya (Kapha) — and is held to relate to health and progeny; a shared nadi (Nadi dosha) is avoided in marriage. Yoni is the animal symbol that indicates instinctive compatibility. In traditional guna milan, the bride’s and groom’s nakshatras are tested on eight kootas and scored out of 36; 18+ is generally considered acceptable, but the total score and the absence of doshas matter more than any single koota. This tool shows your gana; a full match needs both horoscopes.

All 27 nakshatras at a glance

Below are all 27 nakshatras with their ruling planet, presiding deity and rashi. Tap any nakshatra to learn its full detail — symbol, nature, career, remedies and naming syllables.

Why birth time and place matter

The Moon moves about 13° a day, so it crosses one nakshatra in roughly a day and a quarter. This means the nakshatra can change during a day, and the pada changes even faster (about every 6 hours). So the birth time is needed for an accurate janma nakshatra and pada. The birth place is needed because the calculation is based on the local time and coordinates of that place. The more accurate the time, the more accurate the pada and naming syllable — if the time is approximate, the result is approximate too.

Nakshatra, temperament and career

Tradition associates each nakshatra with a particular temperament, strengths and inclinations — for example Ashwini with speed and healing, Rohini with creativity and beauty, Pushya with nourishment and prosperity. This flows from the qualities of its ruling planet and presiding deity. But remember — this is a general tendency, not a fixed prediction; a person’s actual nature depends on the pada, the moon sign and the whole birth chart. This is why the tool gives facts, not interpretation — for deeper analysis, consult a qualified astrologer.

Remedies by ruling planet

Because each nakshatra has a ruling planet, its traditional remedies work chiefly through that planet — chanting the relevant beej mantra, donating on the planet’s day, and worshipping the deity. Gemstones (such as cat’s eye for Ketu, pearl for the Moon) are also linked to the planet, but a gemstone should be worn only after consulting a qualified astrologer — a wrong or over-strong stone can harm. Mantra-jaap and deity worship are safe for everyone. Detailed remedies for each nakshatra are on its nakshatra page.

Using your janma nakshatra in life

The janma nakshatra has several practical uses: in namkaran it sets a child’s naming syllable; in marriage it is the basis of guna milan; in muhurat, days favourable to your janma nakshatra are chosen; and in dasha calculation the Vimshottari mahadasha sequence begins from it. Many people also adopt a vrat or mantra by their janma nakshatra. Once you know your janma nakshatra, this information serves you for life.

This is not a prediction

This tool only computes astronomical facts — nakshatra, rashi, tithi, pada; it makes no prediction, forecast or chart analysis. For a full kundli, dasha results or personal guidance, consult a qualified astrologer. All values are derived with established astronomical methods; accuracy depends on the accuracy of the birth time. To learn more, see the 27 nakshatras, namkaran letters and the panchang guide.

The eight kootas of marriage matching

In Vedic marriage matching (Ashtakoota guna milan), the birth nakshatra and rashi of the bride and groom are tested on eight factors (kootas), and the points of each are added to a total out of 36:

• Varna (1 point) — spiritual compatibility and level of ego.
• Vashya (2 points) — mutual attraction and control.
• Tara (3 points) — health and longevity (from the count of the birth nakshatras).
• Yoni (4 points) — instinctive and physical compatibility (from the animal symbol).
• Graha Maitri (5 points) — friendship of the sign lords; mental compatibility.
• Gana (6 points) — the match of temperament (Deva/Manushya/Rakshasa).
• Bhakoot (7 points) — the position of the signs; love and prosperity.
• Nadi (8 points) — health and progeny; a shared nadi (Nadi dosha) is avoided.

Generally 18 or more points is acceptable, 24+ is good and 32+ is excellent. But the score alone is not everything — the absence of doshas such as Nadi and Bhakoot, and a check for Mangal dosha (Manglik), are also considered, and some doshas have cancellation yogas. This is why the final decision is made by a qualified astrologer looking at both full horoscopes. This tool gives your janma nakshatra and gana, which is the first step of matching.

Nakshatra lords and the Vimshottari dasha

Each nakshatra has a ruling planet, and this is the basis of Vedic astrology’s most-used dasha system — the Vimshottari mahadasha. In it, life is divided into periods (dashas) of nine planets totalling 120 years — Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19, Mercury 17 years. The mahadasha running at birth is set by the lord of your janma nakshatra, and the portion elapsed by the Moon’s position within the nakshatra. This is why knowing the exact janma nakshatra is necessary for dasha calculation. For full dasha results, consult a qualified astrologer.

Nakshatra deities and their meaning

Each nakshatra has a presiding deity that expresses its deepest sense — the Ashwini Kumaras of Ashwini (healing), Yama of Bharani (discipline and the mysteries of death), Agni of Krittika (purification), Brahma of Rohini (creation), Brihaspati of Pushya (nourishment and wisdom), and so on. Invoking this deity is central to the rituals and remedies of the nakshatra. Knowing their janma nakshatra’s deity, many people adopt their worship. Each nakshatra’s deity and story is given on its nakshatra page.

Abhijit — the twenty-eighth nakshatra

Although 27 nakshatras are usually counted, tradition also has a twenty-eighth, Abhijit, lying in a small span between the end of Uttara Ashadha and the start of Shravana. It is considered highly auspicious — the midday “Abhijit Muhurat”, auspicious for almost any task, is named from it. Abhijit is not counted separately in ordinary nakshatra reckoning, but its auspicious influence is important in muhurta-shastra.

Reading your result

When you run the calculator you get a table: the janma nakshatra and its pada (for example “Rohini · Pada 2”) — your birth star and quarter; the rashi (moon sign) — your moon sign; the tithi (with paksha), yoga, karana and gana — the panchang values of your birth day; and the namkaran letters — the traditional starting syllable of your name by pada (the coloured letter is your pada’s). All of these are used in naming, matching and muhurat. Tap any nakshatra name to see its full detail.

Common questions about janma nakshatra

Can the janma nakshatra and rashi differ? Yes — a rashi contains two and a quarter nakshatras, so people of the same rashi can have different janma nakshatras. What if I don’t know the exact birth time? Then the nakshatra and pada will be approximate; noon (12:00) is a common default, but accuracy needs the true time. Is this like a Western horoscope? No — this is Moon-based Vedic calculation, different from the Sun-based Western sign. Is a Gandmool nakshatra inauspicious? Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula and Revati are called Gandmool; birth in them traditionally calls for a shanti puja, but they are not “inauspicious” in themselves. Is it free? Yes, entirely free and privacy-safe — the calculation happens in your browser.

Tradition and sources

Nakshatra lore is as old as the Vedic age — the nakshatras are mentioned even in the Vedas, and the tradition of muhurat and matching based on them is thousands of years old. This tool uses that classical framework to derive the astronomical facts of your birth, with modern precise calculation. It is an effort to make the knowledge accessible, not to replace anyone — for deep personal guidance, a qualified astrologer always has a place. To begin, enter your birth details above.

Auspicious nakshatra yogas

Certain combinations of weekday and nakshatra are considered especially auspicious and are taken advantage of in a muhurat. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga forms when a particular nakshatra falls on a particular weekday — it is held to accomplish almost any task. Amrit Siddhi Yoga is a similar auspicious combination. Ravi Pushya (Sunday + Pushya) and Guru Pushya (Thursday + Pushya) are highly auspicious for buying gold and new work. Conversely, some combinations are avoided. Once you know your janma nakshatra you can understand these yogas, and for any day the muhurat planner takes them into account.

Nakshatra and the body — the Nakshatra Purusha

Tradition has a beautiful idea — the Kalapurusha or Nakshatra Purusha — in which the 27 nakshatras are mapped to the parts of a cosmic being: Ashwini to the head, Bharani to the forehead, and so on down to Revati at the feet. At the meeting of Ayurveda and Jyotish, this idea is used in thinking about health. Likewise each nakshatra’s nadi (Vata/Pitta/Kapha) reflects its ayurvedic nature. These subtle links show that Vedic astrology is not merely prediction but a wider vision connecting time, body and nature.

Nakshatra and direction

In some traditions the nakshatras are also linked to directions, considered in a travel muhurat. This is different from the weekday-based Disha Shool, but part of the same spirit — that both the time and the direction be auspicious. In daily practice most people mind the Char choghadiya for travel, avoiding Rahu Kaal, and the Disha Shool; the finer nakshatra-direction consideration is mainly for major or long journeys.

Using this with the daily panchang

Once you know your janma nakshatra, you can use it together with the daily panchang. When today’s nakshatra (shown on your city’s daily panchang) is auspicious in the Tara relationship to your janma nakshatra, that day is considered especially favourable for you. Likewise, on the weekday of your janma nakshatra’s ruling planet (for example Tuesday for Ketu), some people do a special worship. In this way the janma nakshatra becomes a personal reference point in daily life.

In brief

This birth nakshatra and rashi calculator brings the astronomical facts of your birth together in one place — nakshatra, pada, moon sign, tithi and naming syllables — which serve in naming, marriage matching, muhurat and dasha calculation. It makes no prediction; it makes the knowledge accessible. Begin by entering your birth details above, then explore all 27 nakshatras, the namkaran letters and the panchang guide.

The nakshatras grouped by gana

The 27 nakshatras fall into three ganas, which show temperament. Deva gana (gentle, spiritual): Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati. Manushya gana (balanced): Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada. Rakshasa gana (intense, forceful): Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Dhanishta, Shatabhisha. In marriage matching, the gana match is examined — Deva–Deva and Manushya–Manushya are good, while a Deva–Rakshasa pairing is treated with care. Knowing your gana lets you understand this layer of matching.

Namkaran — a practical example

Suppose the calculator shows a child’s janma nakshatra is Rohini, pada 2. Rohini’s four naming syllables are O, Va, Vi, Vu — one per pada. So the pada-2 syllable is “Va”, and naming the child from “Va” is considered auspicious (such as Vasu, Vaman, Varuni). The same tradition holds for every nakshatra-pada. If you want a name by the birth pada, look at the coloured letter in the calculator, or see the full list of syllables on the namkaran letters page.

In this way the tool provides a reliable, free and privacy-safe calculation that serves many of life’s occasions — from birth through naming, matching and muhurat.

A note on ayanamsha

A fundamental difference between Vedic (nirayana) and Western (sayana) astrology is the ayanamsha — because of the precession of the equinoxes, the two zodiacs differ by about 24°. This is why your Vedic moon sign is often different from the Western sign. The most widely used ayanamsha is Lahiri (Chitrapaksha), also adopted by the Government of India, and this tool follows that tradition. Different ayanamsha opinions can shift the nakshatra calculation by a few minutes, especially when the Moon is at the junction of two nakshatras.

Nakshatra and festivals

Many festivals and vrats are tied to particular nakshatras. Onam is celebrated in Kerala on the Shravana (Thiruvonam) nakshatra; Ratha Saptami relates to the Sun; and several regional festivals rest on local nakshatra tradition. Many people personally regard the days linked to their janma nakshatra as auspicious. See upcoming festival dates on the festival calendar.

Get started

Choose your date, time and city of birth above to find your janma nakshatra, rashi and naming letters instantly — free, privacy-safe and with no predictions. Then explore the full reference on all 27 nakshatras, the namkaran letters, and the muhurat planner.