Nakshatra Calculator

Determine your Janma Nakshatra (Birth Star) based on Vedic astrology.

Accurate calculation requires latitude/longitude, often derived from place name.
If left blank, calculator may try to guess based on place.

Enter birth details above. Calculation requires precise astronomical data.

Disclaimer: Accurate Nakshatra calculation requires complex astronomical computations (planetary positions, ayanamsa). This tool provides an estimate based on simplified logic or external data (if implemented). For definitive astrological readings, consult a professional Vedic astrologer.

Finding Your Birth Star: The Nakshatra Calculator

In Vedic astrology (Jyotish), the Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, are 27 (sometimes 28) sectors along the ecliptic, the path the Moon travels through. Your Janma Nakshatra, or Birth Star, is the Nakshatra the Moon was occupying at the precise moment of your birth. It's considered highly significant, influencing personality traits, innate tendencies, life patterns, and even suggesting auspicious names.

How to Use

  1. Enter your exact Date of Birth.
  2. Enter your precise Time of Birth (accuracy is important).
  3. Enter your Place of Birth (City and Country). This is needed to determine latitude, longitude, and potentially the correct time zone offset.
  4. (Optional) Enter your Time Zone if known (e.g., using standard names like "America/New_York" or offset like "+05:30"). If omitted, the calculator might attempt to guess based on the location, which can be inaccurate.
  5. Click "Calculate Nakshatra".

The calculator will attempt to determine the Moon's longitude at your birth time/place and identify the corresponding Nakshatra, potentially including the Pada (quarter) and ruling planet.

The Importance of Nakshatras

Each Nakshatra has its own symbolism, ruling deity, planetary ruler, and associated characteristics. Understanding your Nakshatra provides a deeper layer of insight in Vedic astrology beyond just the Sun or Moon sign (Rashi).

Calculation Complexity

Determining the precise longitude of the Moon at a specific time and location requires sophisticated astronomical calculations involving:

  • Planetary Ephemeris Data: Tables or algorithms predicting planetary positions.
  • Ayanamsa Correction: Adjusting for the precession of the equinoxes (the difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs). Different astrologers use slightly different Ayanamsa values (e.g., Lahiri, Raman, KP).
  • Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time Adjustments: Converting the local birth time to Universal Time (UT/GMT).
  • Geographic Coordinates: Latitude and longitude of the birthplace.

Note on this Calculator: Implementing truly accurate astronomical calculations purely in client-side JavaScript is extremely complex and usually requires large datasets or external APIs. This calculator likely provides an *estimate* based on simplified methods or may require a backend service for full accuracy (which is not implemented here). **For serious astrological study, consult professional software or an experienced Vedic astrologer.**