27 Nakshatras (Stars) in Tamil: The Complete List & Characteristics
In Tamil astrology (Jothidam), your destiny is guided by your Janma Nakshatra. Discover your star’s meaning, ruling planet, and unique traits below.
While there are 12 Zodiac Signs (Rasis), the sky is further divided into 27 Nakshatras (or Natchathirams). Your “Janma Nakshatra” is the specific star the Moon was traveling through at the exact moment of your birth.
In Tamil culture, this star guides everything—from the first letter of your name to your marriage matching (Thirumana Porutham) and even the temples you should worship at.
Interesting Fact: This system is also followed in neighboring Kerala. You can compare this with the 27 Stars in Malayalam Astrology to see cultural similarities.
The Master List: 27 Nakshatras in Tamil
Here is the complete table of the 27 stars, mapped to their ruling planets and corresponding Rasi.
| # | Tamil Name | English Name | Ruling Planet | Rasi (Zodiac) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aswini (அசுவினி) | Ashwini | Ketu | Mesham |
| 2 | Barani (பரணி) | Bharani | Shukran | Mesham |
| 3 | Karthigai (கார்த்திகை) | Krittika | Suryan | Mesham / Rishabam |
| 4 | Rohini (ரோகிணி) | Rohini | Chandran | Rishabam |
| 5 | Mirugasirisham (மிருகசீரிடம்) | Mrigashirsha | Sevvai | Rishabam / Mithunam |
| 6 | Thiruvathirai (திருவாதிரை) | Ardra | Rahu | Mithunam |
| 7 | Punarpoosam (புனர்பூசம்) | Punarvasu | Guru | Mithunam / Kadagam |
| 8 | Poosam (பூசம்) | Pushya | Sani | Kadagam |
| 9 | Ayilyam (ஆயில்யம்) | Ashlesha | Budhan | Kadagam |
| 10 | Magam (மகம்) | Magha | Ketu | Simham |
| 11 | Pooram (பூரம்) | Purva Phalguni | Shukran | Simham |
| 12 | Uthiram (உத்திரம்) | Uttara Phalguni | Suryan | Simham / Kanni |
| 13 | Hastham (அஸ்தம்) | Hasta | Chandran | Kanni |
| 14 | Chithirai (சித்திரை) | Chitra | Sevvai | Kanni / Thulaam |
| 15 | Swathi (சுவாதி) | Swati | Rahu | Thulaam |
| 16 | Visakam (விசாகம்) | Vishakha | Guru | Thulaam / Vrichigam |
| 17 | Anusham (அனுஷம்) | Anuradha | Sani | Vrichigam |
| 18 | Kettai (கேட்டை) | Jyeshtha | Budhan | Vrichigam |
| 19 | Moolam (மூலம்) | Moola | Ketu | Dhanusu |
| 20 | Pooradam (பூராடம்) | Purva Ashadha | Shukran | Dhanusu |
| 21 | Uthiradam (உத்திராடம்) | Uttara Ashadha | Suryan | Dhanusu / Makaram |
| 22 | Thiruvonam (திருவோணம்) | Shravana | Chandran | Makaram |
| 23 | Avittam (அவிட்டம்) | Dhanishta | Sevvai | Makaram / Kumbam |
| 24 | Sadhayam (சதயம்) | Shatabhisha | Rahu | Kumbam |
| 25 | Poorattathi (பூரட்டாதி) | Purva Bhadrapada | Guru | Kumbam / Meenam |
| 26 | Uthirattathi (உத்திரட்டாதி) | Uttara Bhadrapada | Sani | Meenam |
| 27 | Revathi (ரேவதி) | Revati | Budhan | Meenam |
Detailed Characteristics of 27 Stars
In Tamil astrology, stars are grouped into three categories based on their order. Here is a breakdown of the unique traits of each group.
The First 9 Stars (Janma Tara)
The Second 9 Stars (Anujanma Tara)
The Third 9 Stars (Thrijanma Tara)
Ganam Classification (Marriage Matching)
In marriage matching, stars are classified into three “Ganams”. General rule: Deva matches with Deva, Manushya with Manushya, and Rakshasa with Rakshasa.
| Ganam | Nature | Nakshatras |
|---|---|---|
| Deva Ganam (Divine) | Calm, patient, good-natured | Aswini, Mirugasirisham, Punarpoosam, Poosam, Hastham, Swathi, Anusham, Thiruvonam, Revathi |
| Manushya Ganam (Human) | Practical, hardworking, moderate | Barani, Rohini, Thiruvathirai, Pooram, Uthiram, Pooradam, Uthiradam, Poorattathi, Uthirattathi |
| Rakshasa Ganam (Demon) | Aggressive, ambitious, intense | Karthigai, Ayilyam, Magam, Chithirai, Visakam, Kettai, Moolam, Avittam, Sadhayam |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which nakshatra is the first one in Tamil astrology?
Aswini is the first Nakshatra. It marks the beginning of the zodiac in Mesha Rasi (Aries).
Q2: How do I find my Nakshatra?
You need your Date, Time, and Place of Birth. Check a “Thirukanitha Panchangam” or use a calculator. The Tamil calendar also tracks the star of the day.
Q3: Which Nakshatras are good for marriage?
There is no “bad” star, but compatibility is key. Generally, stars like Rohini, Poosam, and Uthiram are auspicious for conducting marriage ceremonies.
Q4: Can I change my Nakshatra name?
You cannot change your birth star, but you can choose a name with a “First Letter” that resonates with your star’s energy. See our guide on Tamil Baby Names for ideas.
