Rahu is one of the nine primary celestial beings (Navagraha) in Hindu astrology, representing the north lunar node. Unlike physical planets, Rahu is a shadow planet (chhaya graha) with no tangible mass, yet its influence is considered powerful in Jyotisha. The earliest textual reference to Rahu appears in the Rigveda (10.90) as Svarbhanu, a demon who eclipses the sun. The Puranas, especially the Devi Mahatmya, recount the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana), where the asura Rahu disguises himself as a deva to drink amrita. Vishnu severs his head, but the head becomes immortal and is placed among the grahas.
The name 'Rahu' derives from the root 'rah' meaning 'to abandon' or 'to separate', reflecting its nature of severance and illusion. The beej mantra 'Bhraam' (भ्रां) is associated with Rahu's tamasic energy; the phoneme 'bh' represents the earth element, 'r' fire, and 'aa' the sun, while the nasalization indicates the shadowy, formless quality. The full mantra 'Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah' is prescribed in the Mantra Mahodadhi (chapter on graha mantras) for pacifying Rahu's malefic effects. Traditional purposes include protection from eclipses, removal of obstacles in foreign travel, overcoming fear of the unknown, and neutralizing the negative influence of Rahu in one's horoscope. The recommended chanting count is 108 times daily, preferably during Rahu Kala (the inauspicious period ruled by Rahu each day) or on Amavasya (new moon).
Ritual setting involves a dark blue cloth, a sesame oil lamp, and offerings of black sesame seeds or coconut. Cautions: Rahu mantras should be chanted with proper intention and after purification, as they amplify tamasic energy. According to the Shaktisangama Tantra, improper recitation may attract negative entities. It is advised to perform the chanting under the guidance of a guru, especially during eclipse periods. The mantra is also used in Navagraha homa (fire rituals) to mitigate planetary afflictions.
Om, to Rahu, the one who severs, we offer salutations with the seed syllables bhrāṃ, bhrīṃ, bhrauṃ.
The mantra contains three seed syllables: bhrāṃ (भ्रां), bhrīṃ (भ्रीं), bhrauṃ (भ्रौं). 'bh' represents earth element, 'r' fire, and the vowels (ā, ī, au) with nasalization indicate the shadowy, formless quality of Rahu. The sequence progresses from creation (bhrāṃ) to preservation (bhrīṃ) to dissolution (bhrauṃ), reflecting Rahu's role in severance and illusion.