The 27 Nakshatras: A Coordinate Atlas

Complete name, sector, and star table

The first two columns follow the published name order. The angular ranges and rāśi coverage are our arithmetic crosswalk from twenty-seven equal 13°20′ divisions and twelve equal 30° signs. The final column follows the almanac’s principal stars table dated 1 July 2026. It names an associated star, not the position of the entire sector and not a claim that the star always lies inside that sector.

Alternate romanizations include Ashwini for Asvini and Swati for Svati; each pair names the same equal sector. Names use the English name table’s spelling. The almanac’s separate star table shortens a few spellings, including Pusya/Pushya and Purvasadha/Purva Ashadha. Star designations are transcribed as catalogue identities; they are not modern interpretive keywords.

How to use the atlas

1. Start with a dated sidereal longitude. A natal Moon or current Moon position needs a precise instant, an ephemeris, and a stated ayanamsa. Without a longitude, the table cannot identify an individual’s nakshatra.
2. Find the equal sector. Use the left-inclusive 13°20′ range. At an exact transition instant, the earlier interval ends and the next begins; rounding a printed degree can hide which side of the boundary applies.
3. Read the rāśi separately. Nine nakshatras cross a 30° sign boundary. A Moon can be in one named nakshatra while its rāśi changes between the nakshatra’s beginning and end.
4. Use the star column as a historical association. The principal-star table gives a particular star’s longitude and ecliptic latitude for a dated reference. A named star is a point on the celestial sphere; a nakshatra division is a full 13°20′ interval.

For the arithmetic of sign crossings, open padas and rāśi boundaries. For the observational distinction, read stars versus sectors. For a dated almanac entry, use the end-time guide. The existing nakshatra overview provides the simpler name list.

Questions this table can answer

Which nakshatra contains 40° sidereal longitude?

Rohini begins at 40° and ends at 53°20′. At exactly 40° the new sector begins under the stated boundary convention. The rāśi is Vrisha throughout Rohini.

Which names cross a sign boundary?

Nine do. Krittika crosses Mesha to Vrisha; Chitra crosses Kanya to Tula; Dhanishta crosses Makara to Kumbha. The complete nine-row table is in the boundary guide.

Does an associated star define the exact sector edge?

No. The sector edges come from equal division of a chosen sidereal circle; the almanac’s star table is a separate dated coordinate list. See the Svati–Arcturus example.

Continue through the reference