The KP system divides each nakshatra into 9 sub-divisions assigned to the 9 Vimshottari dasha lords in proportion to their dasha years. Across the full zodiac, this produces 243 sub-divisions (9 × 27 nakshatras) with mathematically precise boundaries that practitioners use for chart casting, sub-lord identification, and KP-method prediction. This page provides complete verified boundary tables for all 27 nakshatras, the underlying mathematical proportions, and methodology notes for practical application.
Quick Reference
- Total sub-divisions: 243 (9 sub-lords × 27 nakshatras)
- Each nakshatra spans: 13°20’00” of zodiac
- Sub-division sizes: Determined by Vimshottari dasha proportions (constant across all nakshatras)
- Sub-lord sequence: Begins with the nakshatra’s own ruler, proceeds through the standard Vimshottari order
- Mathematical accuracy: Sub-divisions sum to exactly 360°00’00” across the zodiac
This page is a reference resource designed for practitioners verifying chart positions, identifying sub-lord placements, and conducting KP analysis. The 243 boundaries are mathematical constants derived from the Vimshottari proportions; they are independent of ayanamsa choice or software implementation. The same 243 boundaries apply whether a practitioner uses Lahiri, KP New, or any other ayanamsa: only the absolute zodiacal position of any specific planet shifts with ayanamsa, not the boundaries themselves.
Important Distinction: 243 Sub-Divisions vs 249 Horary Numbers
A common confusion needs to be addressed at the outset. The KP system uses two related but distinct numerical structures: the 243 sub-divisions of the natal zodiac and the 249 horary numbers used for prashna chart casting.
The 243 sub-divisions describe how each of the 27 nakshatras is divided into 9 sub-lord territories. These 243 boundaries are what this page documents, and they apply to natal chart casting and analysis throughout standard KP work. The 249 horary numbers are a separate system used for casting horary (prashna) charts based on a number selected by the querent. The 1-249 horary number system maps the zodiac to 249 segments for the specific purpose of horary chart construction. The two systems are used for different purposes and should not be conflated. For the horary number methodology, see the KP Horary Numbers 1-249 guide.
This article focuses exclusively on the 243 natal sub-divisions. The mathematics, boundaries, and methodology presented here apply to chart casting, transit analysis, and prediction. Horary work uses different reference structures.
The Vimshottari Mathematics Behind Sub-Divisions
The KP sub-lord system is mathematically derived from the Vimshottari dasha proportions. The 120-year Vimshottari cycle distributes years among the 9 dasha lords in fixed proportions, and these same proportions determine the sub-lord territories within each nakshatra.
| Sub-Lord | Vimshottari Years | Proportion | Sub-Division Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketu | 7 | 5.83% | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 20 | 16.67% | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 6 | 5.00% | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 10 | 8.33% | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 7 | 5.83% | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 18 | 15.00% | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 16 | 13.33% | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 19 | 15.83% | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 17 | 14.17% | 1°53’20” |
| Total | 120 | 100% | 13°20’00” |
These proportional sizes are constant across all 27 nakshatras. The Venus sub-division within any nakshatra is always exactly 2°13’20” wide. The Sun sub-division is always 0°40’00”. This mathematical regularity is what allows the KP system to produce consistent timing predictions: the sub-lord boundaries are not arbitrary positions but proportional reflections of the dasha cycle that governs life events.
The sub-lord sequence within each nakshatra always begins with the nakshatra’s own ruling planet. From there, the sequence proceeds through the standard Vimshottari order: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury. After completing the 9 sub-lords, the sequence wraps around so the next nakshatra begins with whatever planet rules it. This produces a continuous chain across the zodiac where each new nakshatra picks up where the dasha sequence left off.
How to Use These Tables
To find the sub-lord for any planet or cuspal position in your chart, follow this procedure. First, identify the planet’s exact zodiacal position in degrees, minutes, and seconds (for example, 14°27’15” Cancer). Second, find the nakshatra section in the tables below that contains your planet’s sign and degree range. Third, locate the specific sub-division row where the planet’s exact position falls between the “From” and “To” boundaries. The sub-lord listed for that row is your answer.
For boundary cases (planets sitting exactly on or within 1 arcminute of a sub-division boundary), use the convention that the boundary value belongs to the next sub-division. A planet at exactly 3°00’00” Aries falls in the Sun sub-lord of Ashwini (which begins at 3°00’00”), not the Venus sub-lord (which ends at 3°00’00”). For planets within 5 arcseconds of a boundary, double-check the calculation precision in your chart software, as ayanamsa or rounding choices can shift a planet across a boundary by a few arcseconds.
For practitioners using strictly KP New ayanamsa rather than Lahiri (Chitra Paksha), planet positions in the chart will differ by approximately 5-6 arcseconds from Lahiri output. For most positions this difference is too small to shift a sub-lord assignment, but for planets within 6 arcseconds of a sub-division boundary, the assignment can shift between ayanamsa conventions. The boundary positions on this page are zodiacal coordinates and are independent of ayanamsa; only the input position changes between ayanamsa choices.
Complete Sub-Lord Boundary Tables: All 27 Nakshatras
Aries Sector (Nakshatras 1-3)
1. Ashwini (Nakshatra Lord: Ketu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketu | 0°00’00” Aries | 0°46’40” Aries | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 0°46’40” Aries | 3°00’00” Aries | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 3°00’00” Aries | 3°40’00” Aries | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 3°40’00” Aries | 4°46’40” Aries | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 4°46’40” Aries | 5°33’20” Aries | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 5°33’20” Aries | 7°33’20” Aries | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 7°33’20” Aries | 9°20’00” Aries | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 9°20’00” Aries | 11°26’40” Aries | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 11°26’40” Aries | 13°20’00” Aries | 1°53’20” |
2. Bharani (Nakshatra Lord: Venus)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 13°20’00” Aries | 15°33’20” Aries | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 15°33’20” Aries | 16°13’20” Aries | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 16°13’20” Aries | 17°20’00” Aries | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 17°20’00” Aries | 18°06’40” Aries | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 18°06’40” Aries | 20°06’40” Aries | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 20°06’40” Aries | 21°53’20” Aries | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°53’20” Aries | 24°00’00” Aries | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 24°00’00” Aries | 25°53’20” Aries | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°53’20” Aries | 26°40’00” Aries | 0°46’40” |
3. Krittika (Nakshatra Lord: Sun) — spans Aries to Taurus
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 26°40’00” Aries | 27°20’00” Aries | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 27°20’00” Aries | 28°26’40” Aries | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 28°26’40” Aries | 29°13’20” Aries | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 29°13’20” Aries | 1°13’20” Taurus | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 1°13’20” Taurus | 3°00’00” Taurus | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 3°00’00” Taurus | 5°06’40” Taurus | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°06’40” Taurus | 7°00’00” Taurus | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°00’00” Taurus | 7°46’40” Taurus | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 7°46’40” Taurus | 10°00’00” Taurus | 2°13’20” |
Taurus-Gemini Sector (Nakshatras 4-6)
4. Rohini (Nakshatra Lord: Moon)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | 10°00’00” Taurus | 11°06’40” Taurus | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 11°06’40” Taurus | 11°53’20” Taurus | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 11°53’20” Taurus | 13°53’20” Taurus | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 13°53’20” Taurus | 15°40’00” Taurus | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 15°40’00” Taurus | 17°46’40” Taurus | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 17°46’40” Taurus | 19°40’00” Taurus | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 19°40’00” Taurus | 20°26’40” Taurus | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 20°26’40” Taurus | 22°40’00” Taurus | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 22°40’00” Taurus | 23°20’00” Taurus | 0°40’00” |
5. Mrigashira (Nakshatra Lord: Mars) — spans Taurus to Gemini
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mars | 23°20’00” Taurus | 24°06’40” Taurus | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Taurus | 26°06’40” Taurus | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Taurus | 27°53’20” Taurus | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Taurus | 0°00’00” Gemini | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 0°00’00” Gemini | 1°53’20” Gemini | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 1°53’20” Gemini | 2°40’00” Gemini | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 2°40’00” Gemini | 4°53’20” Gemini | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 4°53’20” Gemini | 5°33’20” Gemini | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 5°33’20” Gemini | 6°40’00” Gemini | 1°06’40” |
6. Ardra (Nakshatra Lord: Rahu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahu | 6°40’00” Gemini | 8°40’00” Gemini | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 8°40’00” Gemini | 10°26’40” Gemini | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 10°26’40” Gemini | 12°33’20” Gemini | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 12°33’20” Gemini | 14°26’40” Gemini | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 14°26’40” Gemini | 15°13’20” Gemini | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 15°13’20” Gemini | 17°26’40” Gemini | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 17°26’40” Gemini | 18°06’40” Gemini | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 18°06’40” Gemini | 19°13’20” Gemini | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 19°13’20” Gemini | 20°00’00” Gemini | 0°46’40” |
Gemini-Cancer Sector (Nakshatras 7-9)
7. Punarvasu (Nakshatra Lord: Jupiter) — spans Gemini to Cancer
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jupiter | 20°00’00” Gemini | 21°46’40” Gemini | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°46’40” Gemini | 23°53’20” Gemini | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 23°53’20” Gemini | 25°46’40” Gemini | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°46’40” Gemini | 26°33’20” Gemini | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 26°33’20” Gemini | 28°46’40” Gemini | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 28°46’40” Gemini | 29°26’40” Gemini | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 29°26’40” Gemini | 0°33’20” Cancer | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 0°33’20” Cancer | 1°20’00” Cancer | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 1°20’00” Cancer | 3°20’00” Cancer | 2°00’00” |
8. Pushya (Nakshatra Lord: Saturn)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn | 3°20’00” Cancer | 5°26’40” Cancer | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°26’40” Cancer | 7°20’00” Cancer | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°20’00” Cancer | 8°06’40” Cancer | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 8°06’40” Cancer | 10°20’00” Cancer | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 10°20’00” Cancer | 11°00’00” Cancer | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 11°00’00” Cancer | 12°06’40” Cancer | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 12°06’40” Cancer | 12°53’20” Cancer | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 12°53’20” Cancer | 14°53’20” Cancer | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 14°53’20” Cancer | 16°40’00” Cancer | 1°46’40” |
9. Ashlesha (Nakshatra Lord: Mercury) — spans Cancer to Leo
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 16°40’00” Cancer | 18°33’20” Cancer | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 18°33’20” Cancer | 19°20’00” Cancer | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 19°20’00” Cancer | 21°33’20” Cancer | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 21°33’20” Cancer | 22°13’20” Cancer | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 22°13’20” Cancer | 23°20’00” Cancer | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 23°20’00” Cancer | 24°06’40” Cancer | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Cancer | 26°06’40” Cancer | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Cancer | 27°53’20” Cancer | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Cancer | 0°00’00” Leo | 2°06’40” |
Leo Sector (Nakshatras 10-12)
10. Magha (Nakshatra Lord: Ketu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketu | 0°00’00” Leo | 0°46’40” Leo | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 0°46’40” Leo | 3°00’00” Leo | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 3°00’00” Leo | 3°40’00” Leo | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 3°40’00” Leo | 4°46’40” Leo | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 4°46’40” Leo | 5°33’20” Leo | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 5°33’20” Leo | 7°33’20” Leo | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 7°33’20” Leo | 9°20’00” Leo | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 9°20’00” Leo | 11°26’40” Leo | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 11°26’40” Leo | 13°20’00” Leo | 1°53’20” |
11. Purva Phalguni (Nakshatra Lord: Venus)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 13°20’00” Leo | 15°33’20” Leo | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 15°33’20” Leo | 16°13’20” Leo | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 16°13’20” Leo | 17°20’00” Leo | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 17°20’00” Leo | 18°06’40” Leo | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 18°06’40” Leo | 20°06’40” Leo | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 20°06’40” Leo | 21°53’20” Leo | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°53’20” Leo | 24°00’00” Leo | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 24°00’00” Leo | 25°53’20” Leo | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°53’20” Leo | 26°40’00” Leo | 0°46’40” |
12. Uttara Phalguni (Nakshatra Lord: Sun) — spans Leo to Virgo
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 26°40’00” Leo | 27°20’00” Leo | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 27°20’00” Leo | 28°26’40” Leo | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 28°26’40” Leo | 29°13’20” Leo | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 29°13’20” Leo | 1°13’20” Virgo | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 1°13’20” Virgo | 3°00’00” Virgo | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 3°00’00” Virgo | 5°06’40” Virgo | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°06’40” Virgo | 7°00’00” Virgo | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°00’00” Virgo | 7°46’40” Virgo | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 7°46’40” Virgo | 10°00’00” Virgo | 2°13’20” |
Virgo-Libra Sector (Nakshatras 13-15)
13. Hasta (Nakshatra Lord: Moon)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | 10°00’00” Virgo | 11°06’40” Virgo | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 11°06’40” Virgo | 11°53’20” Virgo | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 11°53’20” Virgo | 13°53’20” Virgo | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 13°53’20” Virgo | 15°40’00” Virgo | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 15°40’00” Virgo | 17°46’40” Virgo | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 17°46’40” Virgo | 19°40’00” Virgo | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 19°40’00” Virgo | 20°26’40” Virgo | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 20°26’40” Virgo | 22°40’00” Virgo | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 22°40’00” Virgo | 23°20’00” Virgo | 0°40’00” |
14. Chitra (Nakshatra Lord: Mars) — spans Virgo to Libra
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mars | 23°20’00” Virgo | 24°06’40” Virgo | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Virgo | 26°06’40” Virgo | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Virgo | 27°53’20” Virgo | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Virgo | 0°00’00” Libra | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 0°00’00” Libra | 1°53’20” Libra | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 1°53’20” Libra | 2°40’00” Libra | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 2°40’00” Libra | 4°53’20” Libra | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 4°53’20” Libra | 5°33’20” Libra | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 5°33’20” Libra | 6°40’00” Libra | 1°06’40” |
15. Swati (Nakshatra Lord: Rahu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahu | 6°40’00” Libra | 8°40’00” Libra | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 8°40’00” Libra | 10°26’40” Libra | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 10°26’40” Libra | 12°33’20” Libra | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 12°33’20” Libra | 14°26’40” Libra | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 14°26’40” Libra | 15°13’20” Libra | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 15°13’20” Libra | 17°26’40” Libra | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 17°26’40” Libra | 18°06’40” Libra | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 18°06’40” Libra | 19°13’20” Libra | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 19°13’20” Libra | 20°00’00” Libra | 0°46’40” |
Libra-Scorpio Sector (Nakshatras 16-18)
16. Vishakha (Nakshatra Lord: Jupiter) — spans Libra to Scorpio
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jupiter | 20°00’00” Libra | 21°46’40” Libra | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°46’40” Libra | 23°53’20” Libra | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 23°53’20” Libra | 25°46’40” Libra | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°46’40” Libra | 26°33’20” Libra | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 26°33’20” Libra | 28°46’40” Libra | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 28°46’40” Libra | 29°26’40” Libra | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 29°26’40” Libra | 0°33’20” Scorpio | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 0°33’20” Scorpio | 1°20’00” Scorpio | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 1°20’00” Scorpio | 3°20’00” Scorpio | 2°00’00” |
17. Anuradha (Nakshatra Lord: Saturn)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn | 3°20’00” Scorpio | 5°26’40” Scorpio | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°26’40” Scorpio | 7°20’00” Scorpio | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°20’00” Scorpio | 8°06’40” Scorpio | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 8°06’40” Scorpio | 10°20’00” Scorpio | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 10°20’00” Scorpio | 11°00’00” Scorpio | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 11°00’00” Scorpio | 12°06’40” Scorpio | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 12°06’40” Scorpio | 12°53’20” Scorpio | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 12°53’20” Scorpio | 14°53’20” Scorpio | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 14°53’20” Scorpio | 16°40’00” Scorpio | 1°46’40” |
18. Jyeshtha (Nakshatra Lord: Mercury) — spans Scorpio to Sagittarius
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 16°40’00” Scorpio | 18°33’20” Scorpio | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 18°33’20” Scorpio | 19°20’00” Scorpio | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 19°20’00” Scorpio | 21°33’20” Scorpio | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 21°33’20” Scorpio | 22°13’20” Scorpio | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 22°13’20” Scorpio | 23°20’00” Scorpio | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 23°20’00” Scorpio | 24°06’40” Scorpio | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Scorpio | 26°06’40” Scorpio | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Scorpio | 27°53’20” Scorpio | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Scorpio | 0°00’00” Sagittarius | 2°06’40” |
Sagittarius Sector (Nakshatras 19-21)
19. Mula (Nakshatra Lord: Ketu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketu | 0°00’00” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 0°46’40” Sagittarius | 3°00’00” Sagittarius | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 3°00’00” Sagittarius | 3°40’00” Sagittarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 3°40’00” Sagittarius | 4°46’40” Sagittarius | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 4°46’40” Sagittarius | 5°33’20” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 5°33’20” Sagittarius | 7°33’20” Sagittarius | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 7°33’20” Sagittarius | 9°20’00” Sagittarius | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 9°20’00” Sagittarius | 11°26’40” Sagittarius | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 11°26’40” Sagittarius | 13°20’00” Sagittarius | 1°53’20” |
20. Purva Ashadha (Nakshatra Lord: Venus)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 13°20’00” Sagittarius | 15°33’20” Sagittarius | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 15°33’20” Sagittarius | 16°13’20” Sagittarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 16°13’20” Sagittarius | 17°20’00” Sagittarius | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 17°20’00” Sagittarius | 18°06’40” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 18°06’40” Sagittarius | 20°06’40” Sagittarius | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 20°06’40” Sagittarius | 21°53’20” Sagittarius | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°53’20” Sagittarius | 24°00’00” Sagittarius | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 24°00’00” Sagittarius | 25°53’20” Sagittarius | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°53’20” Sagittarius | 26°40’00” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” |
21. Uttara Ashadha (Nakshatra Lord: Sun) — spans Sagittarius to Capricorn
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 26°40’00” Sagittarius | 27°20’00” Sagittarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 27°20’00” Sagittarius | 28°26’40” Sagittarius | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 28°26’40” Sagittarius | 29°13’20” Sagittarius | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 29°13’20” Sagittarius | 1°13’20” Capricorn | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 1°13’20” Capricorn | 3°00’00” Capricorn | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 3°00’00” Capricorn | 5°06’40” Capricorn | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°06’40” Capricorn | 7°00’00” Capricorn | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°00’00” Capricorn | 7°46’40” Capricorn | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 7°46’40” Capricorn | 10°00’00” Capricorn | 2°13’20” |
Capricorn-Aquarius Sector (Nakshatras 22-24)
22. Shravana (Nakshatra Lord: Moon)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | 10°00’00” Capricorn | 11°06’40” Capricorn | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 11°06’40” Capricorn | 11°53’20” Capricorn | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 11°53’20” Capricorn | 13°53’20” Capricorn | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 13°53’20” Capricorn | 15°40’00” Capricorn | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 15°40’00” Capricorn | 17°46’40” Capricorn | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 17°46’40” Capricorn | 19°40’00” Capricorn | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 19°40’00” Capricorn | 20°26’40” Capricorn | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 20°26’40” Capricorn | 22°40’00” Capricorn | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 22°40’00” Capricorn | 23°20’00” Capricorn | 0°40’00” |
23. Dhanishta (Nakshatra Lord: Mars) — spans Capricorn to Aquarius
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mars | 23°20’00” Capricorn | 24°06’40” Capricorn | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Capricorn | 26°06’40” Capricorn | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Capricorn | 27°53’20” Capricorn | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Capricorn | 0°00’00” Aquarius | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 0°00’00” Aquarius | 1°53’20” Aquarius | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 1°53’20” Aquarius | 2°40’00” Aquarius | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 2°40’00” Aquarius | 4°53’20” Aquarius | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 4°53’20” Aquarius | 5°33’20” Aquarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 5°33’20” Aquarius | 6°40’00” Aquarius | 1°06’40” |
24. Shatabhisha (Nakshatra Lord: Rahu)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahu | 6°40’00” Aquarius | 8°40’00” Aquarius | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 8°40’00” Aquarius | 10°26’40” Aquarius | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 10°26’40” Aquarius | 12°33’20” Aquarius | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 12°33’20” Aquarius | 14°26’40” Aquarius | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 14°26’40” Aquarius | 15°13’20” Aquarius | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 15°13’20” Aquarius | 17°26’40” Aquarius | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 17°26’40” Aquarius | 18°06’40” Aquarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 18°06’40” Aquarius | 19°13’20” Aquarius | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 19°13’20” Aquarius | 20°00’00” Aquarius | 0°46’40” |
Aquarius-Pisces Sector (Nakshatras 25-27)
25. Purva Bhadrapada (Nakshatra Lord: Jupiter) — spans Aquarius to Pisces
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jupiter | 20°00’00” Aquarius | 21°46’40” Aquarius | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 21°46’40” Aquarius | 23°53’20” Aquarius | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 23°53’20” Aquarius | 25°46’40” Aquarius | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 25°46’40” Aquarius | 26°33’20” Aquarius | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 26°33’20” Aquarius | 28°46’40” Aquarius | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 28°46’40” Aquarius | 29°26’40” Aquarius | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 29°26’40” Aquarius | 0°33’20” Pisces | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 0°33’20” Pisces | 1°20’00” Pisces | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 1°20’00” Pisces | 3°20’00” Pisces | 2°00’00” |
26. Uttara Bhadrapada (Nakshatra Lord: Saturn)
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn | 3°20’00” Pisces | 5°26’40” Pisces | 2°06’40” |
| Mercury | 5°26’40” Pisces | 7°20’00” Pisces | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 7°20’00” Pisces | 8°06’40” Pisces | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 8°06’40” Pisces | 10°20’00” Pisces | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 10°20’00” Pisces | 11°00’00” Pisces | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 11°00’00” Pisces | 12°06’40” Pisces | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 12°06’40” Pisces | 12°53’20” Pisces | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 12°53’20” Pisces | 14°53’20” Pisces | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 14°53’20” Pisces | 16°40’00” Pisces | 1°46’40” |
27. Revati (Nakshatra Lord: Mercury) — completes the cycle
| Sub-Lord | From | To | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 16°40’00” Pisces | 18°33’20” Pisces | 1°53’20” |
| Ketu | 18°33’20” Pisces | 19°20’00” Pisces | 0°46’40” |
| Venus | 19°20’00” Pisces | 21°33’20” Pisces | 2°13’20” |
| Sun | 21°33’20” Pisces | 22°13’20” Pisces | 0°40’00” |
| Moon | 22°13’20” Pisces | 23°20’00” Pisces | 1°06’40” |
| Mars | 23°20’00” Pisces | 24°06’40” Pisces | 0°46’40” |
| Rahu | 24°06’40” Pisces | 26°06’40” Pisces | 2°00’00” |
| Jupiter | 26°06’40” Pisces | 27°53’20” Pisces | 1°46’40” |
| Saturn | 27°53’20” Pisces | 0°00’00” Aries | 2°06’40” |
Sub-Lord Identification: Worked Examples
Three worked examples show how to use these tables to identify sub-lords for specific positions.
Example 1: Sun at 14°27’15” Cancer. First, identify the nakshatra: 14°27’15” Cancer falls between 13°20’00” and 16°40’00” of Cancer, which is Pushya nakshatra (entries 8 in the table list). Next, locate the sub-division within Pushya: 14°27’15” sits between 12°53’20” (Rahu sub-lord boundary start) and 14°53’20” (Rahu sub-lord boundary end). Therefore the Sun’s sub-lord is Rahu. Pushya is ruled by Saturn, so the four-level hierarchy reads: Planet (Sun) – Star Lord (Saturn) – Sub-Lord (Rahu).
Example 2: Moon at 0°15’00” Cancer. First, identify the nakshatra: 0°15’00” Cancer falls between 20°00’00” Gemini and 3°20’00” Cancer, which is Punarvasu nakshatra (entry 7 spans Gemini to Cancer). Next, locate the sub-division: 0°15’00” Cancer falls between 29°26’40” Gemini (Moon sub-lord start) and 0°33’20” Cancer (Moon sub-lord end). Therefore the Moon’s sub-lord is Moon itself. Punarvasu is ruled by Jupiter, so: Planet (Moon) – Star Lord (Jupiter) – Sub-Lord (Moon).
Example 3: Saturn at 27°54’00” Capricorn. First, identify the nakshatra: 27°54’00” Capricorn falls between 23°20’00” Capricorn and 6°40’00” Aquarius, which is Dhanishta nakshatra (entry 23 spans Capricorn to Aquarius). Next, locate the sub-division: 27°54’00” Capricorn falls just past 27°53’20” Capricorn (where Saturn sub-lord begins) and before 0°00’00” Aquarius (where Saturn sub-lord ends). Therefore Saturn’s sub-lord is Saturn itself. Dhanishta is ruled by Mars, so: Planet (Saturn) – Star Lord (Mars) – Sub-Lord (Saturn).
Methodology and Verification
The 243 sub-divisions on this page are mathematical constants derived directly from the Vimshottari dasha proportions. They are independent of ayanamsa choice, software implementation, and chart casting methodology. Any KP practitioner can verify these boundaries by computing the cumulative sub-lord lengths within any nakshatra: starting from the nakshatra’s first degree, add the sub-lord sizes in Vimshottari order until you reach the boundary in question.
The boundaries match the output of standard KP astrology software including Jagannatha Hora when configured with Lahiri (Chitra Paksha) or KP New ayanamsa. Practitioners verifying sub-lord assignments in their own charts should ensure their software’s ayanamsa setting matches the convention they intend to use; the boundaries themselves do not change between ayanamsa choices, but the planetary position relative to the boundaries does shift.
For deeper context on how sub-lord assignments inform KP analysis, see the sub-lord theory complete reference. For the related KP significator framework that uses sub-lord assignments alongside other levels of stellar analysis, see the KP significators guide.
Related References
- Mastering Sub-Lord Theory: Conceptual framework for KP sub-lord analysis
- KP Significators Complete Guide: 4-level hierarchy of planet, star lord, sub-lord, and sub-sub-lord
- KP Horary Numbers 1-249: The separate horary number system for prashna chart casting
- 27 Nakshatras Complete Reference: Individual nakshatra interpretations and significations
- KP Astrology for Beginners: Foundational introduction to the KP system
- Vimshottari Mahadasha Complete Guide: The dasha system that produces the sub-lord proportions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many KP sub-divisions are there in the zodiac?
There are 243 sub-divisions in the natal zodiac (9 sub-lords × 27 nakshatras). Each nakshatra spans 13°20’00” of zodiacal arc and is divided into 9 sub-lord territories proportional to the Vimshottari dasha years. The 243 sub-divisions sum to exactly 360°00’00” across the full zodiac, with each sub-lord’s total contribution proportional to its dasha years out of 120 (for example, Venus occupies 60 degrees total across the zodiac because Venus has 20 of the 120 dasha years).
Why is it 243 sub-divisions, not 249?
The number 249 refers to the KP horary number system used for prashna (horary) chart casting, not natal sub-divisions. The horary 1-249 system maps the zodiac to 249 segments for the specific purpose of constructing horary charts based on a number selected by the querent. The natal zodiac has 243 sub-divisions (9 × 27). The two numbers are sometimes confused because both relate to KP, but they serve different purposes and use different mathematical structures. This article documents the 243 natal sub-divisions only.
How are sub-lord sizes calculated?
Sub-lord sizes are calculated by taking each Vimshottari dasha lord’s years as a proportion of 120 (the total Vimshottari cycle length) and applying that proportion to the nakshatra’s 13°20’00” length. For example, Venus has 20 dasha years, which is 20/120 = 1/6 of the cycle. Applied to a nakshatra’s 13°20’00” (or 800 arcminutes), Venus’s sub-division is 1/6 × 800 = 133.33 arcminutes = 2°13’20”. This same proportion applies in every nakshatra, so the Venus sub-division is always exactly 2°13’20” wide regardless of which nakshatra it appears in.
What sub-lord sequence does each nakshatra start with?
Each nakshatra’s sub-lord sequence begins with the nakshatra’s own ruling planet. From there, the sequence proceeds through the standard Vimshottari order: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, then wraps around. So Ashwini (ruled by Ketu) starts with Ketu sub-lord. Bharani (ruled by Venus) starts with Venus sub-lord. Krittika (ruled by Sun) starts with Sun sub-lord. The pattern continues for all 27 nakshatras. After completing the 9 sub-lords within a nakshatra, the next nakshatra begins with whatever planet rules it, picking up the cycle from that point.
Do sub-lord boundaries change between Lahiri and KP New ayanamsa?
No. The sub-lord boundaries are zodiacal coordinates that depend only on the Vimshottari mathematical proportions. They do not change between ayanamsa choices. What changes between Lahiri and KP New is the position of any specific planet in the zodiac (because the zero-point of the sidereal zodiac shifts slightly between ayanamsa conventions). The boundaries remain at the same zodiacal degrees regardless. The 5-6 arcsecond difference between Lahiri and KP New ayanamsa shifts planet positions by that amount, which can shift sub-lord assignments only for planets sitting within 6 arcseconds of a boundary.
How do I find the sub-lord for a planet in my chart?
Three steps. First, identify your planet’s exact zodiacal position from your chart software (in degrees, minutes, and seconds within a sign). Second, locate the nakshatra section in the tables on this page that contains your planet’s sign and degree range. Third, find the specific sub-division row where your planet’s exact position falls between the From and To boundary values. The sub-lord listed for that row is your answer. For boundary cases (planets within a few arcseconds of a sub-division boundary), use the convention that the boundary value belongs to the next sub-division.
Why are some sub-divisions much larger than others?
Sub-divisions are sized in proportion to each planet’s Vimshottari dasha years. Venus (20 years) gets the largest sub-division at 2°13’20”, because Venus has the longest dasha. Sun (6 years) gets the smallest at 0°40’00” because it has the shortest dasha. The mathematical regularity reflects the underlying logic that the sub-lord territory size proportionally represents the dasha lord’s relative weight in the timing system. A planet whose sub-lord has a larger sub-division falls under that sub-lord’s influence for a wider range of zodiacal positions, which corresponds to that planet ruling more years of life events in the dasha cycle.
Does the same sub-division pattern repeat across nakshatras?
The same sub-division sizes appear in every nakshatra, but the order of the sub-lords differs based on which planet rules the nakshatra. Each nakshatra cycles through all 9 sub-lords in Vimshottari order, but starts from a different point in that cycle depending on the nakshatra’s ruler. So the Venus sub-division is always 2°13’20”, but it appears 1st in Bharani (Venus-ruled), 2nd in Krittika (Sun-ruled, where Venus follows Sun in Vimshottari order)… actually, the sub-lord sequence after the nakshatra lord follows the standard cycle: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury. So in Krittika the order after Sun goes Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus.
What happens when a sub-division crosses a sign boundary?
Eight nakshatras cross sign boundaries: Krittika (Aries-Taurus), Mrigashira (Taurus-Gemini), Punarvasu (Gemini-Cancer), Ashlesha (Cancer-Leo), Uttara Phalguni (Leo-Virgo), Chitra (Virgo-Libra), Vishakha (Libra-Scorpio), Jyeshtha (Scorpio-Sagittarius), Uttara Ashadha (Sagittarius-Capricorn), Dhanishta (Capricorn-Aquarius), and Purva Bhadrapada (Aquarius-Pisces). Within these nakshatras, individual sub-divisions can also cross sign boundaries. The sub-lord assignment depends on the position relative to the sub-division boundaries, not the sign boundary. A planet at 28°00’00” Capricorn falls in the Saturn sub-lord of Dhanishta, even though Saturn sub-lord extends past the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp into 0°00’00” Aquarius.
How does this differ from the four-level KP significator hierarchy?
The 243 sub-divisions on this page document the third level of the KP significator hierarchy: the sub-lord of any zodiacal position. The complete KP hierarchy has four levels. Level 1 is the sign lord (the planet ruling the sign the position falls in). Level 2 is the star lord or nakshatra lord (the planet ruling the nakshatra). Level 3 is the sub-lord (from this page’s tables). Level 4 is the sub-sub-lord, which further subdivides each sub-division into 9 portions using the same Vimshottari proportions, producing 2,187 total sub-sub-divisions across the zodiac (9 × 9 × 27). Most KP analysis uses through level 3; level 4 is reserved for highly precise prediction work.
Conclusion
This page provides verified reference tables for all 243 KP sub-divisions across the 27 nakshatras. The boundaries are mathematical constants derived from Vimshottari dasha proportions and are independent of ayanamsa choice or software implementation. Use these tables for chart casting verification, manual sub-lord identification, and reference work in KP analysis. The tables remain valid as long as the standard Vimshottari proportions remain the foundation of KP methodology, which is to say indefinitely.