Ardra Nakshatra
Ardra is the 6th of the 27 nakshatras. Storms that bring renewal. It is ruled by Rahu and lies in Mithuna (Gemini).
Ardra at a glance
| Ruling planet | Rahu |
|---|---|
| Deity | Rudra, the storm god |
| Symbol | a teardrop or diamond |
| Element | Water |
| Quality | Sharp |
| Zodiac span | 6°40′ Mithuna to 20°00′ Mithuna |
| Rashi | Mithuna (Gemini) |
The four padas of Ardra
Each pada covers 3°20′ and corresponds to one Navamsha sign.
| Pada | Zodiac span | Navamsha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6°40′ Mithuna – 10°00′ Mithuna | Dhanu (Sagittarius) |
| 2 | 10°00′ Mithuna – 13°20′ Mithuna | Makara (Capricorn) |
| 3 | 13°20′ Mithuna – 16°40′ Mithuna | Kumbha (Aquarius) |
| 4 | 16°40′ Mithuna – 20°00′ Mithuna | Meena (Pisces) |
Ardra and the Rahu Dasha
In the Vimshottari system Rahu rules Ardra, so a person born with the Moon here begins life in a Rahu Mahadasha. A full Rahu Mahadasha lasts 18 years; how much of it remains at birth depends on how far the Moon had moved through Ardra. The other nakshatras ruled by Rahu are Swati and Shatabhisha.
Frequently asked questions
Which planet rules Ardra nakshatra?
Rahu is the Vimshottari lord of Ardra. A person born with the Moon in Ardra starts life in a Rahu Mahadasha, and the part still left at birth depends on how far the Moon has travelled through the nakshatra. A full Rahu Mahadasha lasts 18 years.
Which rashi is Ardra in?
Ardra spans 6°40′ Mithuna to 20°00′ Mithuna of the sidereal zodiac, which lies in Mithuna (Gemini).
What are the deity and symbol of Ardra?
The deity of Ardra is Rudra, the storm god. Its symbol is a teardrop or diamond.
How do I find my birth nakshatra?
It is the nakshatra the Moon occupies at the moment of birth, measured in the sidereal zodiac. Enter your date, time and place of birth in Shiv Parashara to see it, together with your pada.