Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra
Lunar mansion 26 of 27 — ruled by Saturn
Updated
Uttara Bhadrapada is the 26th of the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) in Vedic astrology, spanning 333.333° to 346.667° sidereal in Meena (Pisces). It is ruled by Saturn, presided over by the deity Ahir Budhnya, and its symbol is the twins / back of a cot.
Also spelled: Uttarabhadra, Uttara Bhadra, Uttarabhadrapada, Uthrattathi, Uttiratadhi
| Ruling planet | Saturn |
|---|---|
| Deity | Ahir Budhnya |
| Symbol | Twins / Back of a Cot |
| Rashi (zodiac sign) | Meena (Pisces) |
| Gana (temperament) | Manushya |
| Guna (nature) | Sattvic |
| Animal (yoni) | Female Cow |
| Life aim (purushartha) | Moksha |
| Direction | West |
| Degrees (sidereal) | 333.333° to 346.667° sidereal |
| Naming syllables (namakshar) | Du, Tha, Jha, Na |
| Gemstone (traditional) | Blue sapphire for Saturn (only with expert advice) |
| Colour | Deep blue, sea green, white |
| Day | Saturday |
| Vimshottari dasha lord | Saturn |
Uttara Bhadrapada mythology and symbolism
Uttara Bhadrapada, "the latter lucky feet", is the second of the Bhadrapada pair. Its deity is Ahir Budhnya, "the serpent of the deep", an ancient Vedic figure who lives in the depths of the cosmic waters and watches over hidden knowledge. Unlike the lively fire of its neighbour, this nakshatra is a still, bottomless ocean: patient, reserved and holding great power beneath a calm surface.
The symbols are the back legs of a funeral cot and a pair of twins. The legs, completing the frame begun in Purva Bhadrapada, point to the end of one cycle and the quiet rest before another. Saturn rules the nakshatra, giving it patience and depth, and it sits in the sign of Pisces, the sign of the fishes and of dissolving boundaries. Together they suggest wisdom that comes from silence, long discipline and the willingness to go deeper than most people do.
Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra characteristics
People with the Moon in Uttara Bhadrapada are often calm, steady and thoughtful. They have a reflective nature and a surprising capacity for self-control. Saturn gives them endurance and a serious outlook, while Pisces adds compassion and imagination, so they combine practicality with an inner sensitivity that is not always visible. Others often describe them as wise beyond their years.
They tend to be slow to anger and generous in forgiving, with a strong interest in spiritual and philosophical questions. The Manushya gana gives them balance, and they are often content with a modest, meaningful life rather than a flashy one. Uttara Bhadrapada natives are good at charity, quiet service and listening to the problems of others without judgment.
The deep water can also be cold and still. Uttara Bhadrapada natives may be reluctant to share their feelings, tend toward melancholy or procrastination, and can retreat into themselves when overwhelmed. They benefit from regular companionship and from translating their insight into practical action.
Strengths
- Calm, composed and emotionally steady
- Wise, thoughtful and quietly perceptive
- Patient, enduring and self-disciplined
- Compassionate and generous in service
- Capable of deep concentration and meditation
- Forgiving and rarely vindictive
Challenges
- Reserved and slow to share emotions
- Tendency to melancholy or withdrawal
- Procrastination when overwhelmed
- Can seem passive or hard to motivate
- May neglect personal ambition in favour of others
Career and work
Uttara Bhadrapada is associated with contemplative and service-oriented careers. Traditional fields include teaching, counselling and spiritual guidance; research and writing; medicine, nursing and hospice care; and charitable and humanitarian work. The Saturn and water links support careers in social work, law, shipping, oceanography and long-term administration. Natives often do well as monks, therapists, scholars, judges, trustees and advisers, where patience, discretion and depth are valued.
Relationships and compatibility
Uttara Bhadrapada natives tend to be gentle, loyal and understanding partners who value peace and emotional depth. They are slow to open up but very faithful once they do. Uttara Bhadrapada belongs to the Manushya gana and the female cow yoni; Uttara Phalguni, the male cow, is the ideal yoni partner, and the tiger (Chitra, Vishakha) is the classical enemy. Other Manushya nakshatras such as Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Bhadrapada and the Ashadhas usually offer comfortable temperament matches. The whole chart is decisive.
Uttara Bhadrapada men are traditionally described as calm, learned and generous, and women as gentle, wise and dependable. These are general cultural impressions only.
The four padas of Uttara Bhadrapada
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 Pisces rashi with a Leo navamsa, ruled by the Sun, and a Dharma emphasis. It is the most dignified and outward-facing quarter. Natives combine compassion with natural authority, and may take on leadership in service.
Pada 2 — Virgo navamsa (Mercury)
Pada 2 lies in Pisces rashi with a Virgo navamsa, ruled by Mercury, and an Artha emphasis. It is the most analytical, practical and service-oriented pada. Natives often channel sensitivity into healing, research and meticulous work.
Pada 3 — Libra navamsa (Venus)
Pada 3 lies in Pisces rashi with a Libra navamsa, ruled by Venus, and a Kama emphasis. It is the most artistic, gentle and relationship-minded quarter. Natives are often charming, peaceful and fond of music and partnership.
Pada 4 — Scorpio navamsa (Mars)
Pada 4 lies in Pisces rashi with a Scorpio navamsa, ruled by Mars, and a Moksha emphasis. It is the deepest and most intense pada, with strong willpower and psychological insight. Natives may be secretive, resilient and drawn to spiritual transformation.
Health (traditional associations)
Uttara Bhadrapada is traditionally associated with the feet and the lymphatic system, matching Pisces, and with the digestive tract and the fluids of the body. Older advice emphasises warm, regular meals, gentle movement and emotional expression. This is symbolic and not medical advice; consult a qualified doctor for specific concerns.
Remedies and practices
Traditional practice includes "Om Ahirbudhnyaya Namah" and the Saturn mantra "Om Shanaischaraya Namah" on Saturdays. Quiet meditation, serving the elderly or the unwell, and feeding cows honour the nakshatra's depth and its cow yoni. Favourable colours are deep blue, sea green and white; blue sapphire (Saturn) is a strong gem and should be tested only under the guidance of a qualified astrologer. Regular social contact and gentle physical routines help lift the tendency to retreat.
Uttara Bhadrapada 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 Uttara Bhadrapada means for your temperament, relationships, career timing and Vimshottari dasha — because the nakshatra lord (Saturn) also opens your dasha sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ahir Budhnya?
Ahir Budhnya, the serpent of the deep, is a Vedic deity connected with the bottom of the cosmic waters and with hidden wisdom. As the deity of Uttara Bhadrapada, he stands for depth, stillness and concealed power, often matching the calm yet profound nature of natives.
What is the difference between Purva and Uttara Bhadrapada?
Both share the funeral-cot symbolism. Purva Bhadrapada is ruled by Jupiter and deity Aja Ekapada and is fiery and idealistic. Uttara Bhadrapada is ruled by Saturn and deity Ahir Budhnya and is calm, deep and patient. They sit in Aquarius-Pisces and Pisces respectively.
Is Uttara Bhadrapada a spiritual nakshatra?
Traditional texts often link it with spiritual depth, renunciation and meditation because of Saturn, Pisces and the deep-water deity. Many natives are contemplative and charitable. Whether a person follows a spiritual path depends on the 9th and 12th houses and the whole chart.
What are the naming letters for Uttara Bhadrapada?
The traditional syllables for Uttara Bhadrapada are Du, Tha, Jha and Na for padas 1 to 4. Families following namakshar choose names such as Dushyant (Du), Jhanvi (Jha) or Naman (Na), depending on the pada of the baby's Moon.
Who is the ruling planet of Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra?
Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra is ruled by Saturn. This planet also begins the Vimshottari dasha sequence for anyone born under Uttara Bhadrapada.
Which rashi does Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra belong to?
Uttara Bhadrapada spans 333.333° to 346.667° sidereal, which lies in Meena (Pisces). It is the 26th of the 27 nakshatras.
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