Ardra Nakshatra

Ardra Nakshatra in Detail

In Hindu astronomy, Aridra (Ardra) is linked with the moist, stormy power of Rudra. It corresponds to Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse), one of the brightest stars in the night sky, which shines as a large reddish star. It lies in Mithuna (Gemini). In Sanskrit, "Ardra" means "the moist one", and its basic meaning is wet or full of water. In Malayalam it is called Thiruvathira and in Tamil Thiruvathirai. Its symbol is a teardrop or a drop of moisture, and its animal is a female dog. Ardra natives are guided by Lord Shiva in his form as Rudra. On one side, Shiva is gentle, calm and concerned for the welfare of the world; on the other, he is known as the destroyer. He drank the poison that rose during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and saved the world, yet in anger his power could destroy it.

Because Ardra lies in Gemini and its ruling planet is Rahu, it blends Mercury and Rahu: sharp intellect mixed with intense, restless thinking. Ardra spans 6°40′ to 20° of Gemini. The sidereal Sun enters this star around 21 June. In February the star is at its highest in the sky between 9 and 11 p.m. It is a single bright star, and some see it as a tear falling across the night sky.

People born under this star are usually energetic and restless. They are lively and brave but may face many struggles in life. They can fall into negative thinking, and much of their fortune depends on Rahu's position in the chart. They tend to believe they are never wrong and can be aggressive. They are bothered by indiscipline in others. When unhappy they can be argumentative, harsh and short-tempered.

The sage Narada says that an Ardra native is excellent at business, although other authorities hold that success in business does not come easily to them. They work very hard and have a deep interest in religious and philosophical texts. They stay focused on their goals and never stray from their path. They are not always quick to show gratitude. They judge others by their nature and pull away the moment they see a problem.

An Ardra native has a searching, questioning side, which often shows strongly in their children too. In the cosmic order, Ardra stands for "yatna shakti", the power to achieve results through effort and searching for a goal. Their efforts return with success. Ardra is the star of hard work and intense feeling. Here emotion and compassion meet, making the mind energetic and spontaneous, and making the native supportive and kind.