Question

Write a brief note on ‘Nakshatras’.

Answer 1

Hint:According to Vedic astrology, Nakshatras are most important in each person's life. In India, it represents the abodes into which the fruits of our karma are transferred and stored. The Nakshatras occupied by Saturn often indicate where major karma resides.

Complete step by step answer:
In Hindu astronomy, there are 28 Nakshatras which were used as celestial markers in the heavens. When these were mapped into equal divisions of the ecliptic, then the division of 27 portions was adopted since that resulted in a clearer definition of each portion subtending $13^\circ 20'$. In this process the Nakshatra Abhijit was left out without segment. However, the Abhijit nakshatra becomes important while deciding on the timing of an auspicious event. Also, Surya Siddhantha specifies the coordinates of the twenty-seven Nakshatras.

The basic reason why ancient early Indian astronomers followed a Vedic calendar of exactly 12 months of 30 days of the calendar and not a modern calendar of 365 days that they used for the astronomical calculations for the number of days taken for the Moon to complete one sidereal cycle of 360°. That is why initially they named 28 Nakshatras on their lunar zodiac.

Note:Some other characteristics of the Nakshatras.
i) Relationship to Navamsa, which is the chart of the soul.
ii) The gunas which represents the quality of energies
ii) The four purposes of life.
It is applicable only in India not throughout the world because of different religions and culture.