Anuradha Nakshatra

Lunar mansion 17 of 27 — ruled by Saturn

Updated 19 October 2026

Anuradha is the 17th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 213.333° to 226.667° sidereal in Vrishchika (Scorpio). It is ruled by Saturn, presided over by the deity Mitra, and its symbol is the lotus / arch.

Also spelled: Anuraadha, Anusham, Anizham, Anurada

Anuradha mythology and symbolism

Anuradha means "following Radha" or "success after Radha", and it comes right after Vishakha, whose old name was Radha. It carries the idea of devotion that follows, of fulfilment that comes after a long pursuit. The presiding deity is Mitra, the Vedic god of friendship, alliances and sworn agreements, often invoked together with Varuna as the pair Mitra-Varuna, who guard cosmic order and the truth of promises.

The symbol is a lotus, or in some lists a gateway, and the lotus is a powerful image: it grows in muddy water, rises through it, and opens clean and bright above the surface. Saturn rules Anuradha, so the lotus blooms only after patient time and effort. Anuradha is the nakshatra of friendship that survives difficulty, loyalty that holds across distance, and beauty that comes from perseverance.

Anuradha nakshatra characteristics

People with the Moon in Anuradha are often warm, sociable and quietly devoted. They tend to form lasting friendships and to be remembered for loyalty. Saturn's influence makes them serious and hard-working, but Mitra's gentle spirit keeps their company agreeable. They often succeed in building networks, groups and communities, and many are comfortable in cross-cultural settings or far from where they were born.

They are good at working in teams and at organising people around a shared aim. The Deva gana gives refinement, courtesy and kindness, while Scorpio adds emotional depth and resilience. Anuradha natives may go through periods of isolation, hard work or loss, but they tend to emerge steadier and with a wider circle of friends than before.

Their challenges include a tendency to hold back feelings, to take things too seriously, or to push themselves into exhaustion for the sake of a cause or a friend. There can also be a streak of jealousy or sorrow when affection is not returned. Learning to ask for support lets the lotus fully open.

Strengths

• Loyal friend with a gift for lasting bonds
• Disciplined, dependable and hard-working
• Skilled at organising people and communities
• Resilient, rises well after setbacks
• Open to other cultures and ways of life
• Devoted and sincere in love and duty

Challenges

• Holds feelings inside rather than sharing them
• Can push too hard and neglect rest
• Occasional loneliness or melancholy
• May feel jealous when affection seems divided
• Takes on too much for friends and causes

Career and work

Anuradha is associated with careers that build networks and sustain organisations. Traditional fields include management, administration, diplomacy and international relations, and trade or import-export, especially across borders. Its Mitra link supports counselling, social work, community organisation and hospitality, while Saturn's rule suits engineering, mining, research and long-term projects. Natives also do well in occult sciences, psychology and healing. Roles abroad or with global teams are common, and many succeed after a period of patient groundwork.

Relationships and compatibility

Anuradha natives are loyal, devoted partners who thrive on mutual trust and friendship at the heart of a relationship. They show love through dependability and quiet care. Anuradha belongs to the Deva gana and the female deer yoni; Jyeshtha, the male deer, is the ideal yoni partner, and the dog (Ardra, Moola) is the classical enemy. Other Deva nakshatras such as Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Shravana and Revati usually match well in temperament. The whole chart decides the final picture.

Anuradha men are traditionally described as loyal, hard-working and friendly, and Anuradha women as gracious, devoted and resilient. These are general cultural impressions only.

The four padas of Anuradha

Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters (padas) of 3°20′, and each pada maps onto one sign of the Navamsa (D9) chart.

Pada 1 — Leo navamsa (Sun)

Pada 1 lies in Scorpio rashi with a Leo navamsa, ruled by the Sun, and a Dharma emphasis. It is the most dignified and leadership-oriented quarter. Natives are warm, proud and confident, with a talent for gathering groups around them.

Pada 2 — Virgo navamsa (Mercury)

Pada 2 lies in Scorpio rashi with a Virgo navamsa, ruled by Mercury, and an Artha emphasis. It is the most practical and analytical pada, with an eye for detail and service. Natives are often reliable workers, skilled organisers and sharp critics.

Pada 3 — Libra navamsa (Venus)

Pada 3 lies in Scorpio rashi with a Libra navamsa, ruled by Venus, and a Kama emphasis. It is the most diplomatic, artistic and relationship-minded quarter. Natives are charming and fair, and place great value on harmony and partnership.

Pada 4 — Scorpio navamsa (Mars)

Pada 4 lies in Scorpio rashi and Scorpio navamsa (vargottama), ruled by Mars, and has a Moksha emphasis. It is the most intense and transformative pada, with powerful will and psychological depth. Natives may be secretive, determined and capable of dramatic renewal.

Health (traditional associations)

Anuradha is traditionally associated with the reproductive and excretory organs, the pelvis and the lower body, reflecting Scorpio. Older advice leans toward rest, emotional openness and avoiding overwork. This is symbolic and not medical advice; consult a qualified doctor for specific concerns.

Remedies and practices

Traditional practice includes "Om Mitraya Namah" and the Saturn mantra "Om Shanaischaraya Namah" on Saturdays. Reconciling with a friend, helping a neighbour, or hosting a gathering reflect Mitra's spirit. Favourable colours are reddish brown, dark blue and lotus pink; blue sapphire (Saturn) is a strong gem and should be tested only under the guidance of a qualified astrologer. Regular rest and sharing worries with a trusted friend counter the habit of carrying too much.

Anuradha in your chart

Your birth (Janma) nakshatra is set by the Moon's exact sidereal position at birth. Navagraha computes it precisely from astronomical data and explains what Anuradha means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Saturn) also opens your dasha sequence.

Frequently asked questions

Navagraha provides Vedic astrology for informational and reflective purposes only; it is not a substitute for professional advice.