The moist one — the storm that clears the way for renewal.
| Ruling planet (dasha lord) | Rahu |
| Presiding deity | Rudra (the storm, the fierce form of Shiva) |
| Symbol | Teardrop, diamond, or human head |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Naming syllables (pada 1–4) | Ku, Gha, Nga, Chha |
| Position in zodiac | Nakshatra 6 of 27 |
Ardra is governed by Rudra, the howling storm god. Its teardrop symbol holds both grief and the cleansing rain that follows. This is the nakshatra of emotional intensity, upheaval and breakthrough — the destruction that precedes fresh growth. Tradition links Ardra with sharp perception, transformative struggle, depth of emotion and the power to renew after the storm.
If a child is born under Ardra nakshatra, tradition suggests a name beginning with one of these syllables, chosen by the Moon's pada (quarter) at birth: Ku, Gha, Nga, Chha — one syllable for each of the four padas.