nakshatran.
/ˈnakʃatrə/, U.S. /ˈnɑkˌʃɑtrə/ Indian Astrol. and Astronomy.
Each of 27 (or, according to some texts, 28) equal divisions of the ecliptic through which the moon passes during the course of a sidereal month; a lunar mansion; the period of time with which each of these corresponds. Also: each of the stars or groups of stars associated with these divisions. Cf. mansion n. 4.The 28th nakshatra of later ritual sources is purely nominal and does not affect the calendar. It probably represents a contamination of the basic astronomical system with lay notions of calendar weeks, months, and solar days.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > celestial sphere > circle of celestial sphere > [noun] > great circle > ecliptic > division of
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1792 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 82 395 The fifth column contains the name of the nakshatra which the moon quits during the course of the day.
1876 F. M. Müller Chips from German Workshop IV. 508 Whether the Nakshatras or the Lunar Zodiac of the Hindus, should be considered as the natural discovery of the Brahmans.
1907 Jrnl. Royal Anthropol. Inst. 37 222 The following thirteen nakshatras and conjunctions..are unlucky:—1. Asauni [etc.].
1972 D. P. Singhal India & World Civilization I. 163 Nakṣatras were used to follow the motions of the sun, as well as those of the moon and the planets.
1987 M. Yano in G. Swarup et al. Hist. Oriental Astron. 129 The way of distributing the 27 nakṣatra to the 12 signs..is exactly that..prescribed in the Sanskrit astrological and astronomical texts.
2000 Times of India (Nexis) 28 Apr. While certain nakshatras like Mula and Jeshtha are not favourable to store rain water, there are others..which are favourable for water harvesting and storage.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, June 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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