Cosmology of Rahu Among Navagrahas | Pujas | Benefits
The Navagrahas have been subjects of fascination and reverence since Vedic times. Their study encompasses various disciplines, including spirituality, astrology, astronomy, and philosophy. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings. They are not merely astral or celestial bodies, but are perceived as divine forces guiding and influencing human destinies. Navagrahas symbolize the eternal dance of cosmic energies, influencing the ebb and flow of life on Earth. From ancient seers to modern astrologers, the study and reverence for the Navagrahas continue to thrive, reflecting the enduring legacy of Vedic wisdom and its profound insights into the mysteries of the universe.
What Vedas say about Grahas or planets?
Aitareya Brahmana (3.44) states that the Sun never rises or sets. The Moon orbits the earth like a child goes around its mother; the two are then orbiting the sun, the father. As the earth rotates around its axis, day and night happen.
An explanation of Solar Eclipse in Rigveda
The earliest description of a solar eclipse in the Rigveda (5.40.5) Rishi Atri speaks in metaphors. He says that the very Moon that got light as gift from sun dares to cover him. The darkness caused is different from the normal darkness of the night. All the creatures are frightened. As the shadow of the moon starts covering a large part of the sun, the red tinge of light is described as the red sheep. When the full solar eclipse takes effect, only the corona can be seen, which is described as silver sheep. When the eclipse is completely over, the sun is restored to its original brightness, which is described as white sheep.
Navagraha Temples
Almost any temple we visit, we see Navagrahas that have been consecrated. The nine planets are placed in a particular arrangement. The symbolism of the nine planets and their association with the Body, Mind and Intellect (BMI), as Lord Krishna talks in the Bhagavad-Geeta, is very direct. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings.
Navagrahas and Solar System
In the Navagraha shrines, we see that the Sun is in the middle and the planets are around him. Each one is looking in different directions. It denotes that the planets are revolving around their axis, while in orbit. We see this in temples that were built more than thousand years ago.
Lord Rahu
Lord Rahu symbolizes illusion and chaos. Rahu is depicted as dark blue or black.
Rahu is a shadow planet that represents material desires, illusions, and worldly attachments. The sacred color associated with Rahu is black, symbolizing mystery and transformation. The fragrance of Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is believed to appease Rahu, fostering protection from malevolent forces. Merits of worshipping Rahu include success in material pursuits, ambition, and worldly recognition. However, negative influences of Rahu can lead to obsession, deceitfulness, and unexpected challenges.
Rahu Graha Characteristics
- Rahu is among the nine celestial bodies (navagrahas) in Vedic astrology.
- Rahu or Dragon’s Head is often referred to as a shadow planet or a lunar node.
- Rahu Graha is associated with materialism, worldly desires, and obsession.
- It represents indulgence, ambition, and the pursuit of power.
- Rahu’s position in a person’s birth chart is believed to influence their karma, fate, and life path.
- Rahu is believed to be a malefic planet, capable of causing chaos, deception, and confusion.
- Rules over the zodiac sign Aquarius.
- Associated with the element air.
- Associated with gemstone Hessonite (Gomedhikam or Gomed) and black color.
- It is associated with sudden changes, unexpected events, and unpredictability.
- Rahu’s influence can lead to unconventional behavior, eccentricity, and rebellion.
- Often associated with dark taboo subjects like addiction, secrecy, and manipulation.
- Rahu is said to govern over the subconscious mind and hidden desires.
Rahu Temples among the Navagraha Sthalam
Temples dedicated to Rahu and Ketu can be seen throughout India.
Thirunageswaran Kovil in Tanjore or Tanjavur, about 6km from Kumbakonam of Tamil Nadu State is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Rahu, among Navagraha Sthalams. An important feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that of Rahu. In this temple belonging to 10th Century CE, a shrine dedicated to Lord Rahu has been consecrated. This is the only place, where Lord Rahu has been shown to be with his consorts. Sri Kshetra of Naganatha Swamy finds mention in Puranas and the region was known as Champakaranya.
Pujas to Lord Rahu
Many Havans, Homam, Pujas and Pariharas are performed here to Lord Rahu for the problems associated with malefic Dragon’s Head in the horoscope. Worshipping Rahu is believed to bestow intelligence, success, and good health upon devotees. It is said to bestow the merits of increased life force, confidence and enthusiasm.
Disturbed sleep, lungs related problems, fear of darkness, frequent nightmares, particularly about snakes and reptiles are some of the effects of malefic Rahu.
Astrological Influences of Lord Rahu
A strong Rahu grants ambition, worldly success, and intelligence. However, an afflicted Rahu can lead to deception and addiction. Saturdays and the thithi of Ashtami (eighth day of the lunar cycle) are considered auspicious for worshiping Rahu. Saturdays, particularly during Rahu Kalam (inauspicious time associated with Rahu), are considered suitable for pleasing Rahu. This can address the malefic Rahu Graham in the Janma Kundali.
Grain for Lord Rahu
Urad Dal or the Indian black lentil is considered to represent Lord Rahu among the grains. Offering Urad Dal or dishes made of Urad are believed to be effective against malefic Rahu in the Janma Kundali.
Rahu Stotram
A simple chant of Rahu Stotram is available for learning in our PurePrayer YouTube Channel:
|| अर्धकायं महाघोरं चंद्रादित्यविमर्दकं |
| सिंहिकाया सुतं रौद्रं तं राहुं प्रणमाम्यहं ||
|| ಅರ್ಧಕಾಯಂ ಮಹಾಘೋರಂ ಚಂದ್ರಾದಿತ್ಯವಿಮರ್ದಕಂ |
| ಸಿಂಹಿಕಾಯಾ ಸುತಂ ರೌದ್ರಂ ತಂ ರಾಹುಂ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮ್ಯಹಂ ||
|| Ardhakayam mahaghOraM chandraditya vimardakam ||
|| simhikayaH sutam raudram tam rahum pranamamyaham ||
Mantras for Lord Rahu
|| ओं राहवे नमः ||
|| ಓಂ ರಾಹವೇ ನಮಃ ||
|| Om Rahavé NamaH ||
Raag for Rahu Graha
Raga Ramapriya is the suggested remedy for the Rahu Graha related problems.
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