Rashi and Nakshatra systems

Rashi System

The Zodiac Circle:

• The zodiac circle is a complete 360-degree circle.

Division of Zodiac Circle:

• This circle is divided into 12 equal parts, known as Rashi (zodiac signs).
• Each Rashi, therefore, covers 30 degrees of the circle.

Sub-Division of Each Rashi:

• Each Rashi is further divided into 9 equal parts.
• These parts are called Nava-amsha (ninth parts).

Calculation:

• One Rashi = 30 degrees.
• One Nava-amsha = 1/9th of a Rashi.
• Therefore, one Nava-amsha = 30 degrees / 9 = 3 degrees 20 minutes.

Total Divisions in the Zodiac Circle:

• Since there are 12 Rashi and each Rashi is divided into 9 Nava-amsha:
  1. 12 Rashi * 9 Nava-amsha = 108 Nava-amsha.
• Thus, the entire zodiac circle has 108 Nava-amsha.

Nakshatra System:

The Zodiac Circle:

• Similarly, the zodiac circle is a 360-degree circle.

Division into Nakshatras:

• The circle is divided into 27 equal parts, known as Nakshatras.
• Each Nakshatra covers 13 degrees 20 minutes of the circle.

Sub-Division of Each Nakshatra:

• Each Nakshatra is further divided into 4 equal parts, known as Padas (steps or quarters).
• Each Pada, therefore, covers 3 degrees 20 minutes.

Calculation:

• One Nakshatra = 13 degrees 20 minutes.
• One Pada = 1/4th of a Nakshatra.
• Therefore, one Pada = 13 degrees 20 minutes / 4 = 3 degrees 20 minutes.

Relationship with Nava-amsha:

• Notice that the length of one Pada (3 degrees 20 minutes) is the same as that of one Nava-amsha.

Total Divisions in the Zodiac Circle:

• Since there are 27 Nakshatras and each Nakshatra has 4 Padas:
  1. 27 Nakshatras * 4 Padas = 108 Padas.
• Thus, the entire zodiac circle has 108 Padas.

Summary:

• Both systems divide the zodiac circle into 108 parts.
• In the Rashi system, these parts are called Nava-amsha.
• In the Nakshatra system, these parts are called Padas.
• Each part (whether Nava-amsha or Pada) spans 3 degrees 20 minutes of the circle.
• Thus, one-ninth of a Rashi (Nava-amsha) is equivalent to one-fourth of a Nakshatra (Pada).

Visual Representation

Summary:

Here’s a visual representation to help understand:

• 1. Zodiac Circle (360 degrees):
  1. Divided into 12 Rashi.
  2. Each Rashi = 30 degrees.
• 2. Each Rashi (30 degrees):
  1. Divided into 9 Nava-amsha.
  2. Each Nava-amsha = 3 degrees 20 minutes.
• 3. Zodiac Circle (360 degrees):
  1. Divided into 27 Nakshatras.
  2. Each Nakshatra = 13 degrees 20 minutes.
• 4. Each Nakshatra (13 degrees 20 minutes):
  1. Divided into 4 Padas.
  2. Each Pada = 3 degrees 20 minutes.