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A nakshatra (Devanagari: नक्षत्र) or lunar mansion is one of the 27 or 28 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominient star(s) in them, that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle, as used in Hindu astronomy and astrology. Therefore, each represents a division of the ecliptic similar to the zodiac. The mansion associated with a given date corresponds to the constellation which the Moon is passing through at that time. Nakshatra computation appears to have been well known at the time of the Rig Veda (2nd–1st millennium BC).
The starting point for this division is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the star Spica called Chitrā in Sanskrit. (Other slightly-different definitions exist.) It is called Meshādi or the "start of Aries". The ecliptic is divided into the nakshatras eastwards starting from this point.
The 27 Nakshatras cover 13°20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is divided into quarters or padas of 3°20’. The nakshatras with their corresponding regions of sky are given below, following *'s Appendix: Astronomy.
| # | Name | Western equivalent | Map | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13SG20-26SG40 | ||||
| 23CP20-06AQ40 | ||||
| 06AQ40-20AQ00 | ||||
| 20AQ00-03PI20 | ||||
An additional 28th intercalary nakshatra, Abhijit (अभिजित)(alpha, epsilon and zeta Lyrae - Vega - between Uttarasharha and Sravana), is required to compensate for the sidereal month being eight hours more than 27 days. Unlike the 13°20' range of the 27 proper nakshatras, Abhijit spans 4°14' to reflect the extra span of 7¾ hours.
The list of Nakshatras is found in the Vedic texts and also in the Shatapatha Brahmana. The first astronomy text that lists them is the Vedanga Jyotisha of Lagadha.
External links
- Free Online Nakshatra Finder (Malayalam), Panchangam
- http://www.maharishi-jyotish.com/English/27_nakshatras_English.htm
- http://indigocoatl.tripod.com/nakshatras.html
- http://www.renaissanceastrology.com/mansionsmoon.html
See also
"Nakshatra"