Core concept
Pada
Pada is one of the four quarters of a Nakshatra, each 3°20′ wide. Every Pada matches one Navamsa sign, so it adds a finer layer of nuance to the Nakshatra reading.

Related terms
- Nakshatra
Nakshatra is one of the 27 lunar mansions of Vedic astrology, each spanning 13°20′ of the zodiac — a finer division than the twelve Rashis. The Moon's Nakshatra at birth sets the starting point of the Vimshottari Dasha and is read as a strong indicator of disposition.
- Navamsa
Navamsa (D9) is the divisional chart made by dividing each Rashi into nine parts of 3°20′. It is the most consulted divisional chart, especially for marriage and dharma readings and as a strength-check on the main birth chart.