Nakshatra 6 of 27
Ardra Nakshatra
The moist one. Ruled by Rahu, presided over by Rudra, the storm.
Quick Answer
Ardra is the 6th of the 27 nakshatras. It spans 6°40' Gemini to 20°00' Gemini in the sidereal zodiac, is ruled by Rahu, presided over by Rudra, the storm, and its symbol is a teardrop.
Ardra at a Glance
- Sidereal span
- 6°40' Gemini to 20°00' Gemini
- Tropical span in 2026
- 0°54' Cancer to 14°14' Cancer
- Ruling planet
- Rahu
- Deity
- Rudra, the storm
- Symbol
- A teardrop
- Name means
- The moist one
The Quality of Ardra
Ardra is the storm of Rudra and the moisture it leaves behind. It knows grief, upheaval and the clearing air that follows. Its depth comes from feeling fully, and its renewal comes after the rain.
What feeling have you been holding back that might clear the air if you let it move?
The Four Padas of Ardra
Each pada is a quarter of 3°20' and sets the navamsa (D9) sign.
| Pada | Sidereal Span | Navamsa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6°40' Gemini to 10°00' Gemini | Sagittarius |
| 2 | 10°00' Gemini to 13°20' Gemini | Capricorn |
| 3 | 13°20' Gemini to 16°40' Gemini | Aquarius |
| 4 | 16°40' Gemini to 20°00' Gemini | Pisces |
When the Moon Is in Ardra
The Moon passes through every nakshatra once a sidereal month, about every 27.3 days. Lahiri ayanamsa.
| Enters (ET) | Leaves (ET) | Enters (IST) | Leaves (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 11:34 PM ET | Oct 30, 9:42 PM ET | Oct 30, 9:04 AM IST | Oct 31, 7:12 AM IST |
| Nov 26, 7:17 AM ET | Nov 27, 4:38 AM ET | Nov 26, 5:47 PM IST | Nov 27, 3:08 PM IST |
| Dec 23, 6:23 PM ET | Dec 24, 3:17 PM ET | Dec 24, 4:53 AM IST | Dec 25, 1:47 AM IST |
| Jan 20, 5:47 AM ET | Jan 21, 2:54 AM ET | Jan 20, 4:17 PM IST | Jan 21, 1:24 PM IST |
The Sun in Ardra, 2027
The Sun enters Ardra on June 22, 2027 at 9:05 AM ET (6:35 PM IST) and stays until July 6, 2027 at 8:37 AM ET (6:07 PM IST). It returns to the same nakshatra on nearly the same dates every year.
Neighboring Nakshatras
Before Ardra: Mrigashira, ruled by Mars. After it: Punarvasu, ruled by Jupiter. See all 27 nakshatras.
Questions About Ardra
What Is the Lord of Ardra Nakshatra?
Rahu rules Ardra, the 6th of the 27 nakshatras. In the Vimshottari dasha system, someone born with the Moon in Ardra begins life in the Rahu period.
Where Is Ardra Nakshatra in the Zodiac?
Ardra spans 6°40' Gemini to 20°00' Gemini in the sidereal zodiac, 13°20' of arc. With the Lahiri ayanamsa in 2026, that corresponds to 0°54' Cancer to 14°14' Cancer in the tropical zodiac.
What Are the Deity and Symbol of Ardra?
The presiding deity of Ardra is Rudra, the storm. Its symbol is a teardrop. The name means "the moist one".
What Are the Four Padas of Ardra?
Pada 1 runs 6°40' Gemini to 10°00' Gemini (navamsa Sagittarius); Pada 2 runs 10°00' Gemini to 13°20' Gemini (navamsa Capricorn); Pada 3 runs 13°20' Gemini to 16°40' Gemini (navamsa Aquarius); Pada 4 runs 16°40' Gemini to 20°00' Gemini (navamsa Pisces).
When Is the Moon in Ardra Next?
The Moon is next in Ardra from October 29, 2026 at 11:34 PM ET (9:04 AM IST on October 30) until October 30, 2026 at 9:42 PM ET (7:12 AM IST on October 31). It returns about every 27.3 days.
When Is the Sun in Ardra in 2027?
The Sun enters Ardra on June 22, 2027 at 9:05 AM ET (6:35 PM IST) and leaves on July 6, 2027 at 8:37 AM ET (6:07 PM IST), using the Lahiri ayanamsa.
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