Introduction of Navgraha Rahu
In Hinduism and Vedic astrology, Rahu is considered to be a very influential shadow planet among Navagrahas. Although Rahu is not a real planet, its influence on human life is profound. Rahu is considered to be the cause of confusion, delusion, sudden change, mystery, foreign travel, politics, technology and material desires. Rahu in astrology indicates ups and downs, struggles and unexpected events in a person's life.
According to scriptures, Rahu is the shadow planet that eclipses the Sun and the Moon. The influence of Rahu makes a person to have unusual thinking, boldness, ambition and sometimes delusion. The placement of Rahu in Navagrahas is considered to be very mysterious, as it deeply affects a person's actions, mental state and direction of life.
Genesis of Rahu
According to mythology, when nectar was being distributed between gods and demons during the churning of the sea, a demon named Swarbhanu tried to drink the nectar by assuming the form of a god. Lord Vishnu was drinking nectar to the gods in the form of Mohini. At that time Suryadev and Chandradev recognized Swarbhanu and told Lord Vishnu about him.
Lord Vishnu immediately severed his head from his torso with Sudarshan Chakra. But the nectar had gone down his throat, so both his head and torso became immortal. Swarbhanu's head became known as "Rahu" and body as "Ketu". This is why Rahu is hostile to the Sun and the Moon and causes eclipses from time to time.
Religious Significance of Rahu
In Hinduism, Rahu is associated with mysterious results of actions and unpredictable circumstances of life. Rahu propels a person towards physical attractiveness, power, politics, foreign contacts and modern technology. Rahu's influence can make a person reach sudden heights, but if Rahu is inauspicious it can also cause confusion, tension, fear and mental instability.
Mantra chanting, charity, serpent worship and special astrological remedies are done for the peace of Rahu. Rahukal is considered inauspicious for auspicious works, so it is advised to avoid marriage, travel or starting new work at this time.
Rahu's family
According to scriptures, Rahu's mother's name was Simhika and father's name was Viprachitti. Sinhika was the daughter of Daityaraja Hiranyakashipu. In Srimad Bhagavata it is described that Rahu had many brothers, but among them Rahu is considered to be the eldest.
Rahu was married to a girl named Karali. Both Rahu and Ketu are described as shadow planets, whose influence is particularly considered on eclipses, karma and mental tendencies.
Rahu's form
Rahu is depicted in the scriptures as very frightening and mysterious. He is usually depicted as a bodyless serpent. Rahu wears black or dark blue clothes and his form is considered a symbol of mystery and power.
Many paintings show Rahu seated on a lion. In some descriptions his chariot is drawn by eight black horses or dogs. His form is considered to symbolize the uncertainty of life, hidden forces and unseen influences.
Importance of Rahu in Astrology
In Vedic Astrology, Rahu is considered to be a very influential shadow planet. Rahu influences one's career, politics, foreign travel, technology, media, occult sciences and sudden events. Rahu's Mahadasha lasts for 18 years and major changes can be seen in a person's life during this period.
If Rahu is in an auspicious position in the horoscope, the person gets success abroad, advancement in politics, technical knowledge and influential personality. On the other hand, due to inauspicious Rahu, mental stress, confusion, addiction, disputes and health related problems may arise. In astrology, the Onyx gem is considered to be associated with Rahu.
Mantras of Rahu
General Mantra :
ॐ रा राहवे नमः।
Seed Mantra :
ॐ भर भर भर भर ॥
Rahu Gayatri Mantra :
ॐ शिरोरुपाय विदमहे अम्रीतेशाय धीमहि।
तन्नो राहु: प्रोचोदयात्।
Festivals associated with Rahu
Nag Panchami and Shashti Tithi of Navratri are considered special occasions associated with Rahu. On these days, it is believed that Rahu dosh is reduced by doing snake worship, mantra chanting and charity. Worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga in Rahukal is also considered auspicious.
Major temple of Rahu
Rahu Dev is specially worshiped at the Kokilavana Navagraha Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, there are many famous temples associated with Rahu located in South India and Thailand too, where devotees come to visit Rahu Dosha for peace and removal of obstacles in life.