Rahu

Rahu is one of the nine celestial bodies (Navagraha) in Hindu astrology, representing the ascending lunar node. Unlike physical planets, Rahu is a shadow entity (chhaya graha) that has no tangible form but exerts powerful karmic influences. Its earliest mention occurs in the Rigveda (1.32.4) where the demon Svarbhānu is described as striking the sun with darkness, a precursor to the later myth of Rahu. The classical narrative appears in the Mahabharata (Vana Parva 1.27-28) and the Bhagavata Purana (8.9.23-28): during the churning of the cosmic ocean, the asura Rahu disguised himself among the devas to drink the nectar of immortality.

Surya and Chandra alerted Vishnu, who severed Rahu's head with his discus. But because the nectar had already reached his throat, the head became immortal and was placed in the heavens as Rahu, while the body became Ketu. This episode explains eclipses: Rahu swallows the sun or moon in revenge, but since he has no body, the luminaries reappear. Iconographically, Rahu is depicted as a dark, severed head riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses, often holding a sword or shield.

He symbolizes obsession, illusion, sudden upheavals, and worldly desires. In Vedic astrology, Rahu is considered a malefic graha that amplifies the qualities of the house it occupies, often bringing unexpected events and karmic lessons. Regional worship includes special pujas during eclipses and on Saturdays, particularly in South India where Rahu temples like the Rahu Stalam in Tirunageswaram are prominent. The Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) describes Rahu's role in the cosmic order as a guardian of the lunar nodes.

His mantra, 'Om Rāhave Namaḥ', is chanted to mitigate adverse effects. Rahu's influence is also linked to material success, foreign travel, and occult sciences, reflecting his dual nature as both a demon and a celestial force.

The name Rāhu is derived from the Sanskrit root 'rah' meaning 'to abandon' or 'to leave', reflecting its nature as a severed head that was abandoned by the body. In the Rigveda, the demon Svarbhānu ('splendor-slayer') is the precursor, later identified with Rahu.

The term 'Rahu' appears in the Mahabharata and Puranas. Regional variants include 'Rahu' in Hindi, 'Rāhu' in Tamil, and 'Rahu' in Telugu.

The word is also related to 'rahas' (mystery), alluding to its hidden, shadowy nature. In Vedic astrology, Rahu is a chhaya graha (shadow planet), emphasizing its intangible yet influential presence.

Rāhu is depicted as a dark, severed head with a fierce expression, wearing a crown and blue garments. He rides a chariot drawn by eight black horses, symbolizing his swift motion.

In South Indian bronzes, he is shown with a serpentine lower body, holding a sword and shield, or a winnowing fan (sūrpa). In North Indian miniature paintings, he is often portrayed as a dark, disembodied head with a crescent moon on his crown, sometimes with a serpent hood.

The dhyāna-śloka describes him as 'smoke-colored' (dhūmravarṇa), wearing blue silk and garlands, and holding a spear. The Śilpa-śāstra texts (e.g., Mānasāra) prescribe his iconography for temple niches.

Regional variations include the Tamil tradition where he is shown with a serpent body and a human head, and in Bengal, where he is depicted as a dark, crowned head with a gaping mouth.

In Advaita Vedānta, Rāhu represents the principle of avidyā (ignorance) that obscures the true Self, causing the illusion of duality. In Viśiṣṭādvaita, he is a jīva (individual soul) under the influence of karma, serving as an instrument of divine justice.

In Dvaita, Rāhu is a real, eternal entity, a demon (asura) who is subservient to Viṣṇu and inflicts karmic retribution. In Śākta traditions, Rāhu is associated with the goddess's wrathful forms and is propitiated for occult powers (siddhis).

Tantric texts like the Rudrayāmala describe Rāhu as a guardian of the lunar nodes and a bestower of material success. In Vaiṣṇava theology, Rāhu is a devotee of Viṣṇu despite his asura nature, as seen in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa where he attains liberation through his association with the divine.

The Skanda Purāṇa (Kāśī Khaṇḍa) portrays him as a cosmic regulator, ensuring the cycle of eclipses.

Rahu appears in Bharatanatyam and Odissi through the Navagraha nritya, where dancers depict his severed head and eclipse myth. Carnatic music includes kritis on Rahu, such as Muthuswami Dikshitar's 'Rahum Guraum' in the raga Ramapriya.

In Tanjore paintings, Rahu is depicted as part of the Navagraha panel, often with a dark blue complexion. In Kerala, theyyam performances include Rahu as a fierce deity.

In Southeast Asia, Rahu is known in Balinese Hinduism as Rahu, and in Thai astrology as 'Rahu'. His influence is also seen in folk traditions like the 'Rahu Kala' inauspicious time.

The mantra 'Om Rāhave Namaḥ' is chanted for protection from malefic effects.