Vedic astrology · glossary
Nakshatra
One of 27 lunar mansions — a 13°20′ slice of the zodiac marking the Moon's position at birth.
What it means
The 360° zodiac is divided into 27 nakshatras of 13°20′ each, subdivided into four pādas. The nakshatra of the Moon at birth (janma nakshatra or birth star) is central to naming, compatibility matching and the Vimśottari daśā, whose starting planet it fixes.
How it's computed
chart.ts takes the Moon's sidereal longitude, divides by 13°20′ (800′) for the nakshatra index and by 3°20′ within it for the pāda; the same math applies to any graha to find the star it occupies.
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Frequently asked
- What is a pāda?
- Each nakshatra splits into four pādas (quarters) of 3°20′. The pāda decides the navāṁśa sign and refines naming and matching.
- Why does my birth star matter?
- It anchors the Vimśottari daśā sequence, feeds Ashtakoota compatibility, and is traditionally used for the first syllable of a name.