Answer

In the traditional Jain calendar, the 27 Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions used in Indian astronomical and calendrical calculation. They are:

1. Ashwini
2. Bharani
3. Krittika
4. Rohini
5. Mrigashirsha
6. Ardra
7. Punarvasu
8. Pushya
9. Ashlesha
10. Magha
11. Purva Phalguni
12. Uttara Phalguni
13. Hasta
14. Chitra
15. Swati
16. Vishakha
17. Anuradha
18. Jyeshtha
19. Mula
20. Purva Ashadha
21. Uttara Ashadha
22. Shravana
23. Dhanishtha
24. Shatabhisha
25. Purva Bhadrapada
26. Uttara Bhadrapada
27. Revati

Explanation

A Nakshatra means a lunar mansion. The Moon moves through the sky and passes through these 27 divisions in about one lunar month.

In traditional Jain calendar usage, Nakshatras are part of the Panchang system, which helps with:

• counting lunar time
• understanding the Moon’s position
• identifying traditional auspicious or inauspicious timing
• calendar and festival calculations

How the 27 Nakshatras work

• The sky is divided into 27 parts
• The Moon stays in each Nakshatra for roughly one day
• Each Nakshatra is further divided into 4 padas
• So, 27 Nakshatras × 4 padas = 108 padas

Simple meaning of some key points

• Ashwini: first Nakshatra
• Revati: last Nakshatra
• The list follows the Moon’s path in a fixed order

Important note

In Jain Dharma, Nakshatras are calendar markers, not the highest spiritual authority. Jain spirituality mainly emphasizes:

• Samyak Darshan — right faith
• Samyak Jnana — right knowledge
• Samyak Charitra — right conduct

Spiritual Understanding

Jain tradition respects time-reckoning and celestial calculation, but it does not place liberation in stars or planets. The purpose of knowing Nakshatras is practical:

• to maintain traditional calendar accuracy
• to understand time cycles
• to preserve cultural and ritual order

For a Jain, true progress comes from self-discipline, non-violence, detachment, and purity of conduct, not from astrology.

Takeaway

The 27 Nakshatras in the Jain calendar are the same traditional 27 lunar mansions used in Indian panchang calculation. They help in calendrical understanding, but in Jain Dharma, they remain secondary to the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.