Nakshatra 6 of 27
Ardra nakshatra (आर्द्रा)
Ardra, 'the moist one', is the storm that clears the air. Ruled by Rahu and presided over by Rudra, it brings upheaval, intense feeling and, afterwards, renewal. It lies in Gemini.
Ardra nakshatra at a glance
- Ruling planet
- Rahu (Rahu)
- Zodiac sign
- Gemini
- Deity
- Rudra, the storm form of Shiva
- Symbol
- Teardrop or diamond
- Gana
- Manushya
- Animal symbol
- Female dog
- Dasha years
- 18 years (Rahu mahadasha)
Ardra personality: strengths and challenges
Strengths
Sharp intellect, resilience after setbacks, emotional depth and a talent for solving problems that stump others.
Challenges
Turbulent moods, restlessness and a tendency to destroy before rebuilding. Anger can flare quickly.
Career and relationships
Career
Technology, research, medicine, crisis management, investigation, media and engineering.
Love and marriage
Intense and sincere, with periods of emotional storms. Thrives with a patient, grounded partner.
Ardra padas and name letters
Each pada is 3°20'wide and falls in a different navamsa (D9) sign. Traditionally a child's name starts with the syllable of the pada the Moon was in.
| Pada | Name syllable | Navamsa sign |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ku | Sagittarius |
| 2 | Gha | Capricorn |
| 3 | Ng | Aquarius |
| 4 | Chha | Pisces |
Name syllables differ slightly between regional traditions.
Ardra nakshatra remedies
Worship Shiva with the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra or Om Namah Shivaya; Mondays are customary. Gratitude practices help settle the storm.
For the ruling planet Rahu, Saturdayis the traditional day and “Om Rahave Namah” the usual beej mantra. Treat these as supportive habits, not guarantees, and avoid anyone who asks for large payments for remedies.
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Ardra nakshatra: common questions
Which planet rules Ardra nakshatra?
Ardra is ruled by Rahu (Rahu). In the Vimshottari dasha system, a person born in Ardra starts life in the Rahu mahadasha, which lasts 18 years in total.
Which zodiac sign is Ardra nakshatra in?
Ardra lies in Gemini (6°40' to 20°00') in the sidereal zodiac.
What are the name letters for Ardra nakshatra?
The traditional starting syllables for the four padas of Ardra are Ku, Gha, Ng, Chha. These vary slightly between regional traditions.
What is the deity of Ardra nakshatra?
Rudra, the storm form of Shiva. The symbol is teardrop or diamond, and the nakshatra belongs to the Manushya gana.
Ardra is one factor in a chart. For a reading of your own kundli, including dasha timing, book a consultation.
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