In Vedism, Ṛta (/ˈrɪtə/; Sanskrit ऋत ṛta "order, rule; truth") is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. In the hymns of the Vedas, Ṛta is described as that, which is ultimately responsible for the proper functioning of the natural, moral and sacrificial orders. Conceptually, it is closely allied to the injunctions and ordinances thought to uphold it, collectively referred to as Dharma, and the action of the individual in relation to those ordinances, referred to as Karma – two terms which eventually passed Ṛta in importance as signifying natural, religious and moral order in later Hinduism. Sanskrit scholar Maurice Bloomfield referred to Ṛta as "one of the most important religious conceptions of the "Rigveda", going on to note that, "from the point of view of the history of religious ideas we may, in fact, we must, begin the history of Hindu religion at least with the history of this conception".
The Vedic deities—particularly Varuna—said to personify Ṛta as its agents, executors, and protectors. However, the gods are not subjected to Ṛta; rather Ṛta depends on the gods to be maintained and upheld.
its Avestan equivalent aṣ̌a (Asha "Truth") properly joined, right, true", from a presumed root *h2er-. The derivative noun ṛta is defined as "fixed or settled order, rule, divine law or truth".
Ṛta- or arta- sometimes appears as an element in Vedic and Indic personal names, as with Iranian.
In India the vocalic 'ṛ' of Sanskrit is transformed into the modern 'ri', or in South India, 'ru'. Indian names include: