Nakshatras

One of 27 equal divisions of the zodiac, each 13°20′ wide, measured against the fixed stars. Nakshatras are older in Indian astronomy than the twelve rashis and are the finer grid: the Moon's nakshatra at birth determines the Vimshottari dasha sequence, and nakshatra is what traditional matching and muhurta actually work from.

Nakshatra 1 of 27, spanning 0°00′–13°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the horse's head; the Ashvin twins, physicians of the gods. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Ketu.

Nakshatra 2 of 27, spanning 13°20′–26°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the yoni; Yama, who bears away. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Venus.

Nakshatra 3 of 27, spanning 26°40′–40°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a blade or flame; Agni. The Pleiades. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Sun.

Nakshatra 4 of 27, spanning 40°00′–53°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an ox-cart; Brahma. The star Aldebaran. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Moon.

Nakshatra 5 of 27, spanning 53°20′–66°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a deer's head; Soma. Part of Orion. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mars.

Nakshatra 6 of 27, spanning 66°40′–80°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a teardrop; Rudra. The star Betelgeuse. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Rahu.

Nakshatra 7 of 27, spanning 80°00′–93°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a quiver of arrows; Aditi. Return and renewal. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Jupiter.

Nakshatra 8 of 27, spanning 93°20′–106°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a cow's udder or a lotus; Brihaspati. Nourishment. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Saturn.

Nakshatra 9 of 27, spanning 106°40′–120°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a coiled serpent; the Nagas. Embrace and entwining. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mercury.

Nakshatra 10 of 27, spanning 120°00′–133°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a royal throne; the Pitris, the ancestors. The star Regulus. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Ketu.

Nakshatra 11 of 27, spanning 133°20′–146°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the front legs of a bed; Bhaga. Rest and pleasure. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Venus.

Nakshatra 12 of 27, spanning 146°40′–160°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the back legs of a bed; Aryaman. Patronage. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Sun.

Nakshatra 13 of 27, spanning 160°00′–173°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an open hand; Savitr. Skill and craft. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Moon.

Nakshatra 14 of 27, spanning 173°20′–186°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a bright jewel; Tvashtar the artisan. The star Spica. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mars.

Nakshatra 15 of 27, spanning 186°40′–200°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a young shoot in the wind; Vayu. The star Arcturus. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Rahu.

Nakshatra 16 of 27, spanning 200°00′–213°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a triumphal arch; Indra and Agni. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Jupiter.

Nakshatra 17 of 27, spanning 213°20′–226°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a lotus; Mitra. Friendship and devotion. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Saturn.

Nakshatra 18 of 27, spanning 226°40′–240°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an earring or umbrella; Indra. The star Antares. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mercury.

Nakshatra 19 of 27, spanning 240°00′–253°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a tangle of roots; Nirriti. Origins and uprooting. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Ketu.

Nakshatra 20 of 27, spanning 253°20′–266°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an elephant tusk or fan; Apas, the waters. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Venus.

Nakshatra 21 of 27, spanning 266°40′–280°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an elephant tusk; the Vishvadevas. Unbroken victory. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Sun.

Nakshatra 22 of 27, spanning 280°00′–293°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an ear or three footprints; Vishnu. Listening. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Moon.

Nakshatra 23 of 27, spanning 293°20′–306°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a drum; the Vasus. Rhythm and wealth. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mars.

Nakshatra 24 of 27, spanning 306°40′–320°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: an empty circle; Varuna. The name means "a hundred physicians". Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Rahu.

Nakshatra 25 of 27, spanning 320°00′–333°20′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the front of a funeral cot; Aja Ekapada. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Jupiter.

Nakshatra 26 of 27, spanning 333°20′–346°40′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: the back of a funeral cot; Ahir Budhnya, the depth serpent. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Saturn.

Nakshatra 27 of 27, spanning 346°40′–360°00′ of the sidereal zodiac. Symbol and deity: a drum used to mark time; Pushan, protector of travellers. Its Vimshottari dasha lord is Mercury.

A quarter of a nakshatra, 3°20′ wide. 27 nakshatras × 4 padas = 108 padas, and each pada maps to one navamsha sign — which is how the D9 chart is derived. Pada is also where a small error in birth time changes the reading.