Rahu: The Significance of Shadow Planet or the North Lunar Node of the Hindu Vedic Astrology

It is considered as a feminine planet. Blue or black color is associated with Rahu it rules number 4 in Indian numerology. Rahu rules south west direction and Satuday. The favorite deity is Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. Its grain Black gram (Urad daal); food urad gram rice; flower mandarai (Bauhinia purpurea L.); gemstone Hessonite (Gomedhaka or Gomedh).

Significance of Rahu in Vedic Hindu Astrology

Rahu does not rule any zodiac sign or Rasi. However the zodiacal sign Virgo is considered as Rahu's sign. Rahu is exalted in zodiacal sign Taurus and debilitated in zodiacal sign Scorpio. It is benefic in zodiacal sign Libra as well. Mercury, Venus and Saturn are considered as friendly planets and the planets Sun, Moon and Mars are the enemies. Jupiter is neutral. The zodiac signs Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Pisces are friendly to Rahu and Cancer and Leo are the enemy signs.

Ruling Star Constellations

Rahu rules star constellations Ardra or Arudra or Thiruvathirai, Swati and Shatabishak or Sadhayam. According to unique Vimsottari Dasa system of Vedic Hindu astrology, for those who have born under these three star constellations, there will be Rahu dasa for 18 years. Vedic Hindu astrology considers Rahu period - the portion of the day (90 minutes) ruled by Rahu as inauspicious.

Rahu: Benefic and Malefic Influences

Rahu is the ruler of the intuitive knowledge and literacy. The negative influence of Rahu often the force the perversion of the intellect and intellects under Rahu's control will opt criminal ways. It is also responsible for uncultured and uncivilized mannerisms. The malefic effects of Rahu are explained in ancient texts of Hindu Vedic astrology. The significance of Rahu can be understood by its influence over thieves, magicians, criminals and terrorists. It also signifies snake, venom, cemeteries, witches etc. If Rahu is placed in a disadvantageous position in your horoscope there will be the malefic effects of Rahu which includes failures, heavy loss in business and prolonged frustrations, sorrow, enemity, fear etc.

However if Rahu is placed in an advantageous position in your horoscope you may will be fortunate enough to taste only successes and enjoy the profits and gains and your good influence will turn your enemies as friends. Rahu will alter your strength and power and provide good health, money, happiness etc.

Yogas and Doshas

'Grahan Yoga will result if Rahu influences the moon in your horoscope.

Your horoscope will be uniquely identified as 'Kala Sarpa Yoga' or 'Kala Sarpa Dosha' when all the planets in your horoscope falls between the axis of Rahu or Ascending Node and Ketu or Descending Node.

Sarpa Dosha: 1. Starting from Sun if Rahu is placed in your 8th house of your horoscpe; 2. Starting from Moon if Rahu or Ketu is placed in your 8th house of your horoscope; 3. Starting from your own lagna if Rahu is placed in any one of the houses - 6th or 7th or 8th house; Starting from your own lagna, if Ra or Ketu is placed in Trikona (fifth and nineth house)

Rahu Mantra

Ardhakayam Mahaviryam Candraditya Vimardanam Simkika Garbha Sambhutam Tam Rahu Pranmam Yaham

Rahu Gayatri Mantra

Aum Sookdantaya Vidmahe
Ugraroopaya Dheemahi
Tanno Rahu Prachodayat

Reference

1.http://lal_kitab.tripod.com/planets/rahu.htm
2.Ketu Effects And Remedies http://www.astrosage.com/lalkitab/LKKetu.asp
3.Ketu Planet , Horoscope http://www.indianetzone.com/2/ketu.htm
4.Ketu Puja http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/puja/ketu.html
5.Malefic Effects of Ketu http://jyotisha.00it.com/Ketu.htm
6.Rahu Puja http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/puja/rahu.html
7.Sri Kethu Bagavan - Keezhaperumpallam http://www.pondyonline.com/user/NavagrahaTemples/Kethu.aspx
8.Sri Naganathaswamy Temple - Tirunageswaram http://www.pondyonline.com/user/NavagrahaTemples/Rahu.aspx
9.Wikipedia Lunar node http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_node