Nakshatra 6 of 27

Ardra Nakshatra

The storm star: intensity, effort and renewal through tears.

Ardra is the storm that clears the air. Natives are intense, intelligent and capable of hard work under pressure, often meeting upheaval that later proves to be renewal. Rahu as lord adds ambition and an unconventional, technical mind.

TransformationIntellectEffort

Span: Gemini 6°40′ – Gemini 20°00′
Ruling planet: Rahu
Deity: Rudra
Symbol: Teardrop
Gana: Manushya
Yoni: Dog (female)

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What is your nakshatra?

Find your Janma Nakshatra

Your birth star is the nakshatra the Moon occupied when you were born. It sets your first Dasha, your naming syllable and much of Kundli matching.

Calculated with the sidereal zodiac and the Lahiri ayanamsa.

Today's nakshatra (at sunrise, New Delhi) is Purva Ashadha. See today's Panchang →

At a glance

Ardra nakshatra facts

Meaning of the name	The moist one
Zodiac span	Gemini 6°40′ to Gemini 20°00′ (sidereal)
Sign	Gemini
Ruling planet (Vimshottari lord)	Rahu · Mahadasha of 18 years
Presiding deity	Rudra
Symbol	Teardrop
Gana (temperament)	Manushya
Yoni (animal)	Dog, female
Nadi	Adi (Vata)
Nature (for muhurta)	Tikshna (sharp): good for severing ties, research, exorcism and difficult or sharp tasks
Naming syllables	Ku, Gha, Ng, Chha

Rudra, the fierce form of Shiva, presides; the symbol is a teardrop. Tears of grief and the rain after a storm show the star's power to wash things clean.

Personality

Ardra traits

Strengths

Sharp, analytical mind
Resilient after setbacks
Honest and direct
Skilled with technology

Challenges

Emotional storms and anger
Harsh speech when hurt
Restlessness and dissatisfaction

Careers that suit Ardra

Technology and softwareResearch and scienceMedicine and pharmaceuticalsElectrical workInvestigative journalismCrisis and disaster management

Four quarters

The four padas of Ardra

Pada 1

Syllable “Ku”

Gemini 6°40′ – Gemini 10°00′ · Navamsa Sagittarius (lord Jupiter)

Sagittarius navamsa (Jupiter): philosophical and questioning; seeks truth through study.

Pada 2

Syllable “Gha”

Gemini 10°00′ – Gemini 13°20′ · Navamsa Capricorn (lord Saturn)

Capricorn navamsa (Saturn): practical and hard-working; turns intensity into achievement.

Pada 3

Syllable “Ng”

Gemini 13°20′ – Gemini 16°40′ · Navamsa Aquarius (lord Saturn)

Aquarius navamsa (Saturn): inventive and humanitarian; strong in technology and research.

Pada 4

Syllable “Chha”

Gemini 16°40′ – Gemini 20°00′ · Navamsa Pisces (lord Jupiter)

Pisces navamsa (Jupiter): emotional and compassionate; transformation through feeling.

Love and marriage

Ardra in relationships

Deeply loyal once they trust, though their intensity and moods can create storms. They value honesty above comfort.

Gana

Manushya

Temperament match (6 points)

Yoni

Dog

Same yoni: Mula

Nadi

Adi (Vata)

Same nadi (Nadi dosha): Ashwini, Punarvasu, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta…

Check full 36-guna compatibility with a partner →

Wellbeing and practice

Health and spiritual practice

Health

Throat, lungs and nerves; stress needs an outlet through activity or meditation.

Traditional practice

Worship of Lord Shiva (Rudra), especially chanting on Mondays, is the classic practice.

Traditional associations, not medical advice.

Common questions

Ardra FAQs

Which planet rules Ardra nakshatra?

Rahu. People born with the Moon in Ardra begin life in Rahu Mahadasha, which lasts 18 years in full; the balance at birth depends on how far the Moon had travelled through the star.

What are the naming syllables for Ardra?

Ku (pada 1), Gha (pada 2), Ng (pada 3), Chha (pada 4). Traditionally a child's name begins with the syllable of the Moon's pada at birth.

Which zodiac sign is Ardra in?

Ardra lies wholly in Gemini, from Gemini 6°40′ to Gemini 20°00′.

What is the gana, yoni and nadi of Ardra?

Gana: Manushya. Yoni: female dog. Nadi: Adi (Vata). These are three of the eight factors (kootas) in Ashtakoota Kundli matching.

Is Ardra a good nakshatra?

Every nakshatra has strengths and challenges. Ardra is a Tikshna nakshatra, traditionally suited to severing ties, research, exorcism and difficult or sharp tasks. A person's results depend on the whole birth chart, not the birth star alone.