Rahu or Swarbhanu is known as the North-node of the Moon and also as the Dragon’s Head. In Sanskrit, Raa means to hide or that which is hidden, mysterious or secretive. The other name of Rahu is Bhayanka. Rahu is said to be merciless, internally and even externally! Rahu is considered the Minister of the Asuras and is the son of Viprachitti and Simhika- the Rakshasa (demon/ogress) sister of Bhakt Prahalada- the great Bhakta of Lord Vishnu. He is said to be born on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada.
Rahu is lord of the Ascending / North lunar node. Rahu is the head of the demonic snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses, according to Hindu scriptures. He is a Tamasic Asura who does his best to plunge any area of one’s life he controls into chaos. The Rahu Kaal is considered to be inauspicious.
The Story Of Rahu
Rahu ( Original name Swarbhanu) was born to Simhika and Viprachtti. Rahu’s mother, Simhika, was the daughter of Hiranyakashipu, who was the father of Bhakt Prahlad (a great devotee of Lord Vishnu), and we all know the story of it. Rahu had several brothers known as Salya, Nabha, Vatapi, IIvala, and Namuchi. However, Rahu was the eldest of 100 brothers. He had one sister named Mahishmati. Rahu was born in Paithinasi gotra. He was born in the year Parthiva in the Bhadrapada Masam on a Sunday and two days before Navratri. Vishakha is his birth star.
In the Indian mythology they are believed to be a demon called Swarbhanu who had participated in the churning of the ocean. Many things came out of the ocean one after the other. In the end, ‘amritam’ or nectar came out. According to mythology, anyone who drinks this nectar becomes immortal. The churning of the ocean was done by the gods and the demons together. The gods were worried that if the demons too drank the nectar, they would become unconquerable, and that would be too bad for the regulation of the Universe. So, they requested Lord Vishnu for help.
Vishnu took the form of a lovely lady called Mohini and started to distribute the nectar. The gods and the demons were sitting in two rows facing each other. Mohini was so beautiful that all the demons forgot themselves and started fantasizing about a life together with her. She was dancing tantalizingly and giving the nectar only to the gods, swaying seductively and passing by the demons, without giving them a drop.
This demon Swarbhanu was very smart. He understood the entire plot. He took the form of a god and sat between the Sun and the Moon – the two luminous gods. Mohini could not recognize the demon in time and as a result, Swarbhanu got a gulp of the nectar of immortality. The Sun and the Moon immediately shouted out in unison that Vishnu had given the nectar to a demon by mistake. Vishnu immediately cut the demon’s head with his divine disc. He threw the head of the demon towards the north and the rest of the body to the south. It is believed that ever since these two separated parts of the demon are circling the sky chasing each other so that they can unite but in vain. No matter how much they try, they remain 180 degrees apart from one another. In every birth chart, these two, Rahu or the demon’s head, and Ketu or the demon’s tail, sit 180 degrees away from each other.
Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets without any physical existence. They acquire qualities of the planets associated with them. Rahu acts like Saturn and Ketu acts like Mars. In Astronomy these are two mathematical computed sensitive points on ecliptic. In Astrology our ancient sages gave these sensitive points, graha status. Ketu in 12th house become karaka for Moksha (Salvation). Rahu in lagna gives mundane comforts.
Nature of Rahu
Rahu has no aura of his own as he is known as “Chaaya Graha”. At the intersecting points of lunar and solar circumferences, there are two nodes. The Northern node is called Rahu or Dragonhead, and the Southern node is Ketu dragon’s tail. Rahu does not rule any specific zodiac sign. Rahu positioned must be best in signs of Saturn and Mercury.
Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets and have the powers of Shani and Mangal respectively. Rahu is capable of causing sudden and unpleasant changes if it is badly placed in the natal horoscope. The proper worship of Rahu blesses all those who suffer from sudden illness, loss of money and delays in marriage.
However, the role of Rahu in the functioning of all the factors in the world is inevitable and crucial. He is the chosen one of the Almighty to maintain a balance in the universe and to keep bringing change. Wisdom lies in understanding the power and significance of Rahu- ‘The Mighty One’. You can also learn more about Rahu in our article on The Positive Nature Of Rahu!
Basic Information About Rahu
Colours: Electric Blue and Black.
Denoted Number: 4.
Direction: South( Southwest).
Gemstone: Gomedh (Hessonite).
Metal: Lead and Graphite.
Worshipped Deity: Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva.
Nature: Tamasik.
Caste: Shudra.
Element: Air.
Mantra:
Om Raa Rahave Namah and Om Bhram Bhrim Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah.
The conjunction of Rahu creates totally different scenarios and energies. You must have to be alert in this matter.
Expert astrologers say, to reduce the negative effects of Rahu, you must keep the Copper Rahu Yantra that must be purified and energized.
So, this is all about Rahu and its effects.
