Ardraआर्द्रा

Ardra is the sixth nakshatra and lies within Gemini. The word means moist or wet, which is why a teardrop is its symbol, and some lists add a diamond as an alternative picture. Its chief star is generally identified with Betelgeuse, the bright red shoulder of Orion, and the nakshatra is often associated with the first heavy rain after a dry spell.

Rudra is the deity. In the Rigveda he is a fierce storm god who is both feared and asked for healing herbs, and later tradition merges him with Shiva. The planetary lord is Rahu, the shadow planet, and the gana is Manushya. This combination of a storm deity and a shadow planet explains why Ardra is so frequently described in astrological writing through images of upheaval that clears the air. These are traditional symbolic readings and not statements about any particular person.

In muhurat classification Ardra belongs to the tikshna, or sharp, group with Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Mula. Traditional guidance holds that such days suit firm or severe actions and are less preferred for gentle ceremonies like weddings or housewarmings. Naming syllables commonly listed for Ardra padas are Ku, Gha, Nga and Chha. Because spellings vary between systems, check with a family priest before finalising a name.