Nakshatra · Lunar Mansion 6/27
Ardra Nakshatra आर्द्रा
storm · upheaval · breakthrough · renewal
Ardra, ruled by the storm-god Rudra, is the nakshatra of upheaval and renewal — the cleansing tear and the lightning that clears the air. Its natives think sharply and transform through difficulty, breaking down the old to make way for the new.
| Number | 6th of 27 |
|---|---|
| Zodiac span | 6°40′–20°00′ Gemini |
| Ruling planet (Vimshottari) | Rahu (Rahu) |
| Deity | Rudra (the storm god, fierce form of Shiva) |
| Symbol | A teardrop, a diamond; a human head |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Yoni (animal) | Dog (female) |
| Nadi (Ayurvedic) | Adi (Vata) |
| Sanskrit | आर्द्रा |
Symbol & deity
Ardra's symbol is a teardrop, a diamond; a human head, and its presiding deity is Rudra (the storm god, fierce form of Shiva). Its special power — its shakti — is the power of effort and transformation (yatna shakti). Together these encode the nakshatra's core lesson and gift.
Personality & traits
Strengths: Sharp-minded, transformative, resilient, capable of profound breakthroughs.
Challenges: Turbulent, destructive, stubborn, prone to emotional storms and discontent.
Ruling planet — Rahu
Ardra is ruled by Rahu in the Vimshottari system, so a Ardra Moon sets Rahu's dasha as the first major life period, and Rahu's nature deeply colours the personality. the north node — obsession, ambition and the hunger of this lifetime.
Career & vocation
Research and science, technology, psychology, demolition and rebuilding, crisis work.