Ardra Nakshatra
Ruled by Rahu · Gemini · Manushya gana
Ardra is the 6th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions). It spans 6°40′ Gemini to 20°00′ Gemini of the sidereal zodiac, which places it in Gemini. Its ruling planet is Rahu, its deity is Rudra, the storm form of Shiva, and its symbol is a teardrop (or a diamond).
Ardra nakshatra: personality and nature
Ardra is associated with storms, intense feeling and renewal after upheaval. Natives are often described as sharp-minded and emotionally powerful.
Love and relationships
Deeply feeling and loyal, though moods can be stormy and vulnerability hard to express calmly.
Career and work
Technology, research, analysis, medicine, investigation and crisis management.
What to watch for
Emotional storms and sharp words under stress. As with any placement, the Moon's sign and house, the planets aspecting it and the running dasha change how Ardra shows up in a particular chart.
The four padas of Ardra
Each nakshatra is divided into four padas of 3°20′, and each pada falls in one navamsa (D9) sign, which colours how the nakshatra expresses and matters for marriage reading.
- Pada 1: 6°40′ Gemini to 10°00′ Gemini, Sagittarius navamsa.
- Pada 2: 10°00′ Gemini to 13°20′ Gemini, Capricorn navamsa.
- Pada 3: 13°20′ Gemini to 16°40′ Gemini, Aquarius navamsa.
- Pada 4: 16°40′ Gemini to 20°00′ Gemini, Pisces navamsa.
Ardra and the Vimshottari dasha
A person whose Moon is in Ardra begins life in the Rahu Mahadasha, the full length of which is 18 years. How much of it remains at birth depends on how far the Moon has travelled through Ardra. The Jupiter Mahadasha follows. The Vimshottari dasha system derives from the Moon's nakshatra, so this is why the nakshatra matters for timing.
Compatibility: gana, yoni and nadi
In Ashtakoota (Guna Milan) matching, Ardra counts as Manushya gana, Dog yoni (female) and Adi nadi. Gana and yoni describe temperament and instinctive compatibility. Nadi carries the most weight, 8 of the 36 points, and scores zero when both partners share the same nadi. These are read from each partner's Moon nakshatra, so the full pair of charts should be considered together.
For informational and self-reflection purposes only. Not financial, medical, legal, or professional advice.
Is your Moon in Ardra?
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Ardra nakshatra: common questions
Rahu rules Ardra. A Moon here starts the 18-year Rahu Mahadasha in the Vimshottari system.
Ardra spans 6°40′ Gemini to 20°00′ Gemini of the sidereal zodiac, so it lies in Gemini.
Pada 1 falls in the Sagittarius navamsa; Pada 2 falls in the Capricorn navamsa; Pada 3 falls in the Aquarius navamsa; Pada 4 falls in the Pisces navamsa.
Ardra is Manushya gana, Dog yoni (female) and Adi nadi.
It depends on your date, exact time and place of birth, because the Moon moves through a nakshatra in about a day. Generate a free Kundli to see your Moon's nakshatra and pada.