Vedic birth star calculator

Janam Nakshatra Calculator

Find your Janam Nakshatra, pada, Janma Rashi and ruling planet from the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth. This free Nakshatra calculator uses your exact date of birth, birth time and birthplace to give a personalised, verifiable Vedic astrology result.

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Vedic astrology guide

What Is Janam Nakshatra? Meaning, Personality & Life

Janam Nakshatra means “birth star.” In Jyotish, it is the one of 27 lunar mansions occupied by Chandra, the Moon, at the precise moment of birth. Because the Moon describes the mind, emotional habits, memory and instinctive response, the birth Nakshatra adds a more detailed layer than the Moon sign alone.

The complete zodiac contains 360 degrees. Dividing it into 27 equal Nakshatras gives each birth star a span of 13°20′. Every Nakshatra is then divided into four padas of 3°20′, creating 108 padas in total. The pada refines the reading and determines the traditional starting sound suggested for a name.

Because the Moon governs the mind, Janam Nakshatra is often read as a portrait of instinctive nature — how a person processes emotion, reacts under pressure, connects with others and pursues what they want. It is also the starting point for the Vimshottari Dasha (the sequence of planetary periods that time major life events), a key factor in marriage compatibility (Kundali Milan), the basis for choosing a baby's naming syllable, and an input for muhurta, or auspicious timing. Two people can share the same zodiac sign yet have very different birth stars, which is why Nakshatra is considered a finer, more personal layer of Vedic astrology.

27

Lunar mansions

Across the sidereal zodiac

13°20′

Each Nakshatra

Four equal padas

108

Padas in total

One traditional syllable each

Verify your result

How Janam Nakshatra Is Calculated

You don't have to take the result on faith. This is the same method professional Jyotish software uses, so you can cross-check it against your existing Kundali.

  1. 1

    Convert your birth time to a universal moment

    Your local birth time and your birthplace's historical time zone are combined to convert your birth into a precise UTC moment — the starting point for every calculation that follows.

  2. 2

    Locate the Moon's tropical longitude

    Using an astronomical ephemeris, the Moon's geocentric ecliptic longitude (0°–360°) is calculated for that exact UTC moment.

  3. 3

    Apply the Lahiri ayanamsa

    The Lahiri (Chitrapaksha) ayanamsa value for that date is subtracted from the tropical longitude to get the Moon's sidereal longitude — the same figure your Kundali's Moon degree is based on.

  4. 4

    Divide by 13°20′ to find the Nakshatra

    Each of the 27 Nakshatras spans exactly 13°20′ (13.333°) of the zodiac. Dividing the sidereal longitude by 13.333° and rounding down gives the Nakshatra number, from 1 (Ashwini) to 27 (Revati).

  5. 5

    Divide the remainder by 3°20′ to find the pada

    Whatever degree is left over inside that Nakshatra is divided by 3°20′ (3.333°) and rounded down, then 1 is added, to give the pada — a number from 1 to 4.

Worked example

A sidereal Moon at 51°42′ (51.7°) falls in the 4th Nakshatra — Rohini, which spans 40°00′–53°20′. The leftover 11°42′ (11.7°), divided by 3°20′, rounds down to pada 4. If your Kundali shows a sidereal Moon degree, you can run the same division to confirm your Nakshatra and pada.

Different astrology software may show a nearby boundary differently because of ayanamsa choice, ephemeris model or birth-time rounding. This calculator uses the Lahiri/Chitrapaksha sidereal reference, the standard adopted by India's Calendar Reform Committee. Astrology is a traditional interpretive system and this tool is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.

Complete birth star guide

The 27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

Explore the ruling planet, deity, symbol, strengths and central meaning of every Janam Nakshatra, in their traditional zodiac order from Ashwini to Revati.

01Ashwiniअश्विनी · Ketu

Ashwini carries swift, pioneering and restorative energy. People born under it often act quickly, value independence and have a natural instinct for helping situations move from stagnation toward renewal.

Zodiac span
0°00′–13°20′ Aries
Ruler
Ketu
Deity
Ashwini Kumaras, the divine healers
Symbol
Horse's head
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Chu, Che, Cho, La

Growth path: Patience turns Ashwini's speed into mastery. Pause long enough to understand consequences before racing toward the next beginning.

02Bharaniभरणी · Venus

Bharani represents endurance, creation and the power to carry responsibility through intense change. Its natives are often passionate, loyal and capable of holding steady when life demands maturity.

Zodiac span
13°20′–26°40′ Aries
Ruler
Venus
Deity
Yama, guardian of dharma
Symbol
Yoni or vessel
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Li, Lu, Le, Lo

Growth path: Strong desires need wise boundaries. Releasing control and choosing moderation helps Bharani express its considerable creative force cleanly.

03Krittikaकृत्तिका · Sun

Krittika is the fire that purifies, separates truth from confusion and sharpens raw potential. It often gives direct speech, discernment, ambition and a protective nature.

Zodiac span
26°40′ Aries–10°00′ Taurus
Ruler
Sun
Deity
Agni, the fire god
Symbol
Flame or razor
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
A, Ee, U, Ae

Growth path: A sharp mind and tongue can both heal and hurt. Tempering criticism with compassion makes Krittika's truth easier to receive.

04Rohiniरोहिणी · Moon

Rohini is associated with fertility, beauty, growth and material creation. Its natives often possess charm, aesthetic sensitivity and a talent for making people, ideas or resources flourish.

Zodiac span
10°00′–23°20′ Taurus
Ruler
Moon
Deity
Prajapati, lord of creation
Symbol
Ox cart or chariot
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
O, Va, Vi, Vu

Growth path: Comfort is nourishing until attachment makes change feel threatening. Cultivating simplicity and flexibility preserves Rohini's natural abundance.

05Mrigashiraमृगशीर्ष · Mars

Mrigashira expresses curiosity, searching and a gentle desire to discover what lies beyond the familiar. It commonly brings alertness, research ability, sensitivity and youthful enthusiasm.

Zodiac span
23°20′ Taurus–6°40′ Gemini
Ruler
Mars
Deity
Soma, the lunar nectar
Symbol
Deer's head
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Ve, Vo, Ka, Ki

Growth path: The endless search can become restlessness. Choosing a worthy direction and staying with it converts curiosity into real knowledge.

06Ardraआर्द्रा · Rahu

Ardra carries the cleansing intensity of a storm. Its natives may be penetrating thinkers who can face complexity, grief or disruption and uncover the truth that makes renewal possible.

Zodiac span
6°40′–20°00′ Gemini
Ruler
Rahu
Deity
Rudra, lord of storms
Symbol
Teardrop or storm
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Ku, Gha, Nga, Chha

Growth path: Intensity needs a constructive outlet. Processing emotion before reacting prevents necessary change from becoming unnecessary destruction.

07Punarvasuपुनर्वसु · Jupiter

Punarvasu signifies restoration, optimism and the ability to return to one's centre after difficulty. It tends to give generosity, philosophical intelligence and faith in fresh beginnings.

Zodiac span
20°00′ Gemini–3°20′ Cancer
Ruler
Jupiter
Deity
Aditi, the universal mother
Symbol
Quiver of arrows
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Ke, Ko, Ha, Hi

Growth path: Repeated fresh starts must eventually become sustained effort. Practical follow-through allows Punarvasu's hopeful ideas to take root.

08Pushyaपुष्य · Saturn

Pushya embodies nourishment, discipline and spiritual support. Its natives often combine a caring temperament with patience, reliability and respect for knowledge or tradition.

Zodiac span
3°20′–16°40′ Cancer
Ruler
Saturn
Deity
Brihaspati, priest of the gods
Symbol
Cow's udder or lotus
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Hu, He, Ho, Da

Growth path: Duty should not erase personal needs. Receiving care and permitting healthy change prevents responsibility from becoming heaviness.

09Ashleshaआश्लेषा · Mercury

Ashlesha brings psychological perception, strategic intelligence and the power to understand what is concealed. It can create persuasive communicators with strong intuition and a magnetic presence.

Zodiac span
16°40′–30°00′ Cancer
Ruler
Mercury
Deity
Nagas, the serpent beings
Symbol
Coiled serpent
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Di, Du, De, Do

Growth path: Insight must be joined with transparency. Releasing suspicion and indirect control allows Ashlesha's intelligence to become healing wisdom.

10Maghaमघा · Ketu

Magha connects personal authority with ancestry, heritage and earned status. It often gives dignity, leadership ability and a desire to protect the values or legacy one has inherited.

Zodiac span
0°00′–13°20′ Leo
Ruler
Ketu
Deity
Pitris, the ancestors
Symbol
Royal throne
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Ma, Mi, Mu, Me

Growth path: True authority serves rather than demands recognition. Humility and openness to new ideas keep pride from isolating the heart.

11Purva Phalguniपूर्व फाल्गुनी · Venus

Purva Phalguni celebrates affection, pleasure, creativity and the restorative power of leisure. Its natives often radiate warmth, artistic confidence and an instinct for bringing people together.

Zodiac span
13°20′–26°40′ Leo
Ruler
Venus
Deity
Bhaga, god of delight and fortune
Symbol
Front legs of a bed or hammock
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Mo, Ta, Ti, Tu

Growth path: Pleasure becomes richer when supported by discipline. Consistency with money, commitments and effort protects long-term happiness.

12Uttara Phalguniउत्तर फाल्गुनी · Sun

Uttara Phalguni turns attraction into agreement and talent into sustained contribution. It favours generosity, dependable partnership and the ability to build lasting social structures.

Zodiac span
26°40′ Leo–10°00′ Virgo
Ruler
Sun
Deity
Aryaman, patron of contracts and friendship
Symbol
Back legs of a bed
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Te, To, Pa, Pi

Growth path: Helping others should remain a choice, not a source of superiority or resentment. Fair agreements protect both energy and goodwill.

13Hastaहस्त · Moon

Hasta is the skill to shape an intention with one's own hands. It brings dexterity, humour, practical intelligence and a talent for organising details into something useful.

Zodiac span
10°00′–23°20′ Virgo
Ruler
Moon
Deity
Savitar, the creative Sun
Symbol
Open hand
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Pu, Sha, Na, Tha

Growth path: Competence does not require controlling every detail. Trust, delegation and rest help Hasta avoid nervous overwork.

14Chitraचित्रा · Mars

Chitra combines beauty, structure and the drive to create a striking form. Its natives may be charismatic perfectionists who see how raw material can be redesigned into something exceptional.

Zodiac span
23°20′ Virgo–6°40′ Libra
Ruler
Mars
Deity
Tvashtar, the celestial architect
Symbol
Bright jewel or pearl
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Pe, Po, Ra, Ri

Growth path: Outer brilliance should reflect inner truth. Accepting imperfection prevents image, comparison or restless desire from eclipsing substance.

15Swatiस्वाती · Rahu

Swati expresses independence, movement and the flexibility to learn through direct experience. It often produces diplomatic, entrepreneurial people who need space to discover their own path.

Zodiac span
6°40′–20°00′ Libra
Ruler
Rahu
Deity
Vayu, the wind god
Symbol
Young plant bending in the wind
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Ru, Re, Ro, Ta

Growth path: Freedom needs an inner compass. Commitment and steady routines prevent changing winds from scattering energy.

16Vishakhaविशाखा · Jupiter

Vishakha is focused ambition moving toward a chosen goal. It grants determination, persuasive power and the capacity to persist through competition until a meaningful milestone is reached.

Zodiac span
20°00′ Libra–3°20′ Scorpio
Ruler
Jupiter
Deity
Indra and Agni
Symbol
Triumphal arch or forked branch
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Ti, Tu, Te, To

Growth path: Success should not become the only measure of worth. Ethical aims and appreciation of the journey prevent ambition from becoming consuming.

17Anuradhaअनुराधा · Saturn

Anuradha unites devotion with disciplined friendship. It often gives loyalty, organisational skill and the ability to create cooperation across differences while pursuing a deeper purpose.

Zodiac span
3°20′–16°40′ Scorpio
Ruler
Saturn
Deity
Mitra, god of friendship
Symbol
Lotus or staff
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Na, Ni, Nu, Ne

Growth path: Loyalty must include loyalty to oneself. Expressing hurt directly prevents emotional pressure from accumulating behind a composed exterior.

18Jyeshthaज्येष्ठा · Mercury

Jyeshtha carries seniority, protection and responsibility earned through experience. Its natives are often perceptive survivors who can take command during uncertainty and safeguard those in their care.

Zodiac span
16°40′–30°00′ Scorpio
Ruler
Mercury
Deity
Indra, king of the gods
Symbol
Circular amulet or umbrella
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
No, Ya, Yi, Yu

Growth path: Capability does not require carrying everything alone. Releasing defensiveness and rivalry makes leadership steadier and more generous.

19Mulaमूल · Ketu

Mula seeks the root beneath appearances and is willing to dismantle what is false. It can bring fearless investigation, philosophical depth and profound regeneration after endings.

Zodiac span
0°00′–13°20′ Sagittarius
Ruler
Ketu
Deity
Nirriti, goddess of dissolution
Symbol
Bundle of roots
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Ye, Yo, Bha, Bhi

Growth path: Truth can be uncovered without uprooting everything at once. Compassion and gradual change help Mula preserve what remains healthy.

20Purva Ashadhaपूर्वाषाढ़ा · Venus

Purva Ashadha carries conviction, renewal and the power of an inspiring message. Its natives often combine idealism, eloquence and a refusal to surrender what they deeply believe.

Zodiac span
13°20′–26°40′ Sagittarius
Ruler
Venus
Deity
Apas, the cosmic waters
Symbol
Winnowing basket or fan
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Bhu, Dha, Pha, Dha

Growth path: A strong belief becomes wisdom when it can be questioned. Listening to evidence and other viewpoints refines natural confidence.

21Uttara Ashadhaउत्तराषाढ़ा · Sun

Uttara Ashadha represents enduring victory grounded in universal principles. It tends to give integrity, patience and the capacity to build influence slowly through responsible action.

Zodiac span
26°40′ Sagittarius–10°00′ Capricorn
Ruler
Sun
Deity
Vishvadevas, the universal gods
Symbol
Elephant tusk or planks of a bed
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Bhe, Bho, Ja, Ji

Growth path: High standards should leave room for human complexity. Flexibility and timely rest keep duty from hardening into rigidity.

22Shravanaश्रवण · Moon

Shravana learns through attentive listening and transmits knowledge across people and generations. It often brings memory, diplomacy, travel and a gift for understanding the meaning inside a story.

Zodiac span
10°00′–23°20′ Capricorn
Ruler
Moon
Deity
Vishnu, the preserver
Symbol
Ear or three footprints
Gana
Deva
Syllables
Ju, Je, Jo, Gha

Growth path: Information must be filtered, not merely collected. Speaking one's own truth prevents social awareness from turning into excessive concern about reputation.

23Dhanishthaधनिष्ठा · Mars

Dhanishtha combines rhythm, ambition and participation in a larger group. It can produce resourceful achievers with musical timing, social influence and the ability to mobilise collective effort.

Zodiac span
23°20′ Capricorn–6°40′ Aquarius
Ruler
Mars
Deity
Eight Vasus, deities of abundance
Symbol
Drum or flute
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Ga, Gi, Gu, Ge

Growth path: Visible success cannot replace emotional connection. Slowing down to listen prevents ambition or status from creating distance.

24Shatabhishaशतभिषा · Rahu

Shatabhisha seeks healing through truth, research and independent observation. Its natives may be private reformers drawn to science, systems and unconventional solutions.

Zodiac span
6°40′–20°00′ Aquarius
Ruler
Rahu
Deity
Varuna, lord of cosmic waters
Symbol
Empty circle or hundred physicians
Gana
Rakshasa
Syllables
Go, Sa, Si, Su

Growth path: Solitude should restore rather than isolate. Allowing trusted people into the inner world supports the healing this nakshatra seeks.

25Purva Bhadrapadaपूर्व भाद्रपद · Jupiter

Purva Bhadrapada carries idealistic fire, austerity and the urge to awaken people from complacency. It can give powerful speech, originality and commitment to a cause larger than comfort.

Zodiac span
20°00′ Aquarius–3°20′ Pisces
Ruler
Jupiter
Deity
Aja Ekapada, the one-footed serpent
Symbol
Front legs of a funeral cot or sword
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Se, So, Da, Di

Growth path: Intensity benefits from moderation and humour. Grounding visionary ideas in humane action prevents extremes or cynicism.

26Uttara Bhadrapadaउत्तर भाद्रपद · Saturn

Uttara Bhadrapada represents depth, stability and compassion born from understanding life's complexity. It often gives patience, introspection and a quiet capacity to support collective wellbeing.

Zodiac span
3°20′–16°40′ Pisces
Ruler
Saturn
Deity
Ahir Budhnya, serpent of the deep
Symbol
Back legs of a funeral cot or twins
Gana
Manushya
Syllables
Du, Tha, Jha, Na

Growth path: Inner depth needs outward movement. Clear boundaries and practical action prevent passivity, withdrawal or carrying other people's burdens.

27Revatiरेवती · Mercury

Revati completes the zodiac with protection, nourishment and safe passage toward a new beginning. Its natives are often imaginative, kind and gifted at guiding people, ideas or journeys to completion.

Zodiac span
16°40′–30°00′ Pisces
Ruler
Mercury
Deity
Pushan, protector of travellers
Symbol
Fish or drum
Gana
Deva
Syllables
De, Do, Cha, Chi

Growth path: Sensitivity needs clear limits. Practical routines and discernment protect Revati from confusion, over-idealism or giving too much.

Janam Nakshatra Calculator FAQs

What is my Janam Nakshatra?

Your Janam Nakshatra, or birth star, is the Vedic lunar mansion the Moon was passing through at your exact birth moment. Enter your date, time and place of birth in the calculator above to see your Nakshatra, pada, Rashi and ruling planet instantly.

How is Janam Nakshatra calculated?

Janam Nakshatra is calculated by converting your birth time to a precise astronomical moment, finding the Moon's longitude at that moment, applying the Lahiri ayanamsa to get its sidereal position, then dividing that position by 13°20′. See the step-by-step method below to verify it against your own Kundali.

Can I calculate Nakshatra with date of birth only?

A date alone can narrow down the likely Nakshatra, but it isn't always reliable, because the Moon moves into a new Nakshatra roughly once a day. For an accurate result — especially near a Nakshatra or pada boundary — you need your exact birth time and birthplace too.

Are Rashi and Nakshatra the same?

No. Rashi divides the zodiac into 12 signs of 30 degrees each, while Nakshatra divides it into 27 lunar mansions of 13 degrees 20 minutes each. Both are based on the Moon's sidereal position, but Nakshatra offers a more detailed, personal layer of interpretation.

What is a Nakshatra pada, and why does it matter?

A pada is one of four equal 3°20′ quarters within a Nakshatra, making 108 padas across the zodiac. Your pada refines your personality reading further and supplies the traditional starting syllable used in Vedic baby naming.

Why is an accurate birth time important?

The Moon travels about 13 degrees a day, so even a small error in birth time can shift your pada, and a birth close to a boundary can change your Nakshatra entirely. Use the most accurate recorded birth time available, such as a birth certificate or hospital record.

Are there 27 or 28 Nakshatras?

Classical Vedic astrology divides the zodiac into 27 Nakshatras, from Ashwini to Revati, and this calculator uses that standard 27-Nakshatra system, like most Kundali software. Some traditions also reference a 28th, Abhijit, but it is rarely used in modern birth chart calculations.

How does Janam Nakshatra affect personality and life?

Because the Moon represents the mind, your Janam Nakshatra is read as a signature of your emotional nature, instincts and habitual behaviour. It's also the starting point of your Vimshottari Dasha timeline, and is used in marriage matching, baby naming and choosing auspicious timing for major life events.

Why is Janam Nakshatra important in Vedic astrology?

Janam Nakshatra sets the starting Dasha lord for your entire planetary-period timeline, forms the basis of Nakshatra-based marriage compatibility (Kundali Milan), guides the naming syllable chosen for a newborn, and helps determine muhurta — the auspicious timing for important events.

Which ayanamsa does this Janam Nakshatra calculator use?

This calculator uses the Lahiri (Chitrapaksha) ayanamsa, the standard adopted by India's Calendar Reform Committee and the most widely used ayanamsa in Vedic astrology software. If you compare results against a chart built on a different ayanamsa, such as Raman or KP, your Nakshatra or pada may shift slightly near a boundary.

Go beyond your birth star

Your full Kundali tells the complete story

Nakshatra describes the Moon's birth position. A complete chart also considers the ascendant, houses, planets, yogas and dasha periods.