In Indian Vedic Astrology, Rahu is known by various names. These include Tamas, Svarbhanu, Simhikeya, Vidhuntuda, Asra-pisaca , Graha kallola, Sirsaka and Upaplava. Rahu is special to Indian Astrology. He is worshipped as one of the navagrahas. Rahu is regarded as one of the unfavourable planets in Indian Astrology. The remedy for Rahu in charts where there is Rahu Dosha is highly recommended. Remedy of Rahu is also recommended during the mahadasha of Rahu. Also, to reduce unfavourable Rahu antardasha results. In charts with Kalsarp Yog/Rahu Ketu Dosha, Rahu Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja is highly recommended.
Described as a ‘shadow-planet’ [Chaya graha], Rahu is the ascending node of moon. Rahu is the point where moon’s orbit crosses the ellipse. It is also called Dragon’s head. Puranas tells us that Rahu cunningly assumed form of God to drink amrita. The amrita is the heavenly drink of Soma that gives immortality. While he was drinking, Surya and Chandra recognised him. They reported him to Lord Vishnu who cut off Rahu’s head with his discuss. The mouth had already tasted Soma, so the head became immortal. Rahu’s head was made into a planet by Lord Brahma. Meanwhile, the body since the body had not become immortal it fell on the ground and became the planet Ketu.
The deities of Rahu are given as Kala [adhiDevatha] and Sarpa [pratyadiDevatha]. The vedic metre is Anushtup, and his gothra Paithinasa.
The invocatory hymn for Rahu employed by the Vedins is ‘Kaya nas chiram’ [Rig Veda 4, 31, 1].
Kaya nashichatra aa bhuvaduthi sadavridaha sakha |
Kaya suchishtaya vrutha ||
The Rishi of this hymn is VamaDeva, the Devatha is Indra, and the chandas is Gayathri. The hymn is prescribed to be recited as anuvaka mantra in the ritual [Isti] known as Varuna-praghasa.
The kala [time] is the adiDevatha of Rahu who is ferocious in appearance. Rahu has a fierce face with extremely dark complexion. His body hairs are snakes and scorpions. He carries in his two hands noose and club.
Kalaha karalavadanau niangashachatibhishataha |
Pasadanddharaha karyaha sarpavrishchakaromavan ||
Kala is invoked using the hymn ‘Karsirasi samudrasya’ (Taittariya-samhitha 1, 3, 13, 2)
Karshirasi samudrasya tva shiptya unnyami |
Samapoadibhargmat samoshadibirosahdihe ||
The Rishi of hymn is Medhatithi. The Devatha is Praja [people] and chandas is Anustup.
“O people, you are capable of yoking the plough and till [Karshihe asi]. I life you up well indeed [sam ut nayami] into the mid region to make it perfect [samudraya aksitysi]. Procure well [sam agmatha] water from water [adbhih apah], and herbs from herbs [oshadibihe oshadihe].
The serpents are pratyadhiDevathas of Rahu. Snakes are shown with one hood or three hoods. The form is human with curved tails. They are terrible in aspect although they carry rosaries.
Akshasutradharaha sarpaha kundikapucchabhushanaha |
Yekabhogatribhoga va sarva karyascha bhishanaha ||
The Vedic Pundits recite the hymn ‘a yam gauh’ [Rig Veda 10,189, 1] while propitiating Rahus pratyadiDevatha, namely sarpa. The rishi of the hymn is given as Sarparajni [the serpent queen]. The Deva is Surya [the sovereign God of Snakes]. The chandas of the mantra is Gayathri.
Aa yam gouhu prishnirakrami dasadanmatharam puraha |
Pitharam cha prayantsuvaha ||
“This Sun [ayam], who is on the move all the time [gauhu,’gamana-silaha’], and who has diverse rays [prishnih] has arrived [a akramit]. He is stationed [asadat] in the eastern horizon [puraha]. Near the earth that is the regulator of all creatures [matharam]. He moves fast and in a grand gait [prayan suvaha] towards the mid-region [pitharam dyaus].
If one has unfavourable Rahu in one’s Horoscope [or have Kal Sarp Yog]. If one happens to be having Rahu mahadasha, then it is best to do the Puja remedy of Rahu as soon as possible. Unfavourable Rahu occupying improper, unsuitable houses, unfavourable aspects and avasta should be dreaded. Rahu has the capability to cause sudden and violent changes to a native’s life. If cured, then Rahu can give great material gain namely money, fame, foreign trips and power. One can book one’s online Rahu Puja [Rahu Puja] with us and appease to Rahu Deva.