Question 1

How to name a baby by Nakshatra?

Accepted Answer

In Vedic tradition, a baby is named according to the birth Nakshatra and Pada. Each Nakshatra-Pada combination has a prescribed auspicious starting syllable — the name should begin with that syllable as part of the Namkaran ceremony.

Question 2

What are the 27 Nakshatras?

Accepted Answer

The 27 Nakshatras are: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati.

Question 3

What is a Nakshatra Pada?

Accepted Answer

Each Nakshatra is divided into four Padas (quarters), each spanning 3°20'. The Pada the Moon occupies at birth determines the specific starting syllable for the baby's name.

Question 4

When is the Namkaran ceremony performed?

Accepted Answer

The Namkaran (naming ceremony) is traditionally performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth. The baby is given a name starting with the auspicious syllable determined by the birth Nakshatra and Pada.

Question 5

Can the Nakshatra be found without birth time?

Accepted Answer

An exact Nakshatra requires the birth time because the Moon transits one Nakshatra in roughly 24 hours. Without the time, only an approximate Nakshatra can be estimated from the birth date — the Pada cannot be determined reliably.

Question 6

Is the starting syllable different for boys and girls?

Accepted Answer

No — the auspicious starting syllable from the Nakshatra-Pada table is the same for both boys and girls. The difference is only in the choice of name, not the syllable itself.

Find the right starting syllable