Overview of Rahu
In Hindu astrology, Rahu is one of the nine celestial bodies known as "Navagrahas" and represents the ascending lunar node. Rahu is often associated with karma, desires, illusions, and the material aspects of life. He is considered a malefic planet but can also bestow great power, wealth, and success when well-placed in a person's horoscope. Praying to Rahu is often done to mitigate the negative effects he might bring, particularly during his dasha (period) or transits.
Steps to Worship Rahu
1. Identify the Day and Time
- Day: Rahu is typically worshiped on Saturdays or Wednesdays. Some people also observe Rahu-related rituals on Tuesdays.
- Time: The most auspicious time to worship Rahu is during Rahu Kalam (the inauspicious time of the day ruled by Rahu). This time period varies based on the day of the week and should be checked using a panchang (Hindu almanac).
2. Set Up the Puja Altar
- Idol or Yantra: Place an image or idol of Rahu or a Rahu Yantra (a geometrical diagram representing Rahu) on the altar. Black-colored items are often associated with Rahu.
- Offerings: Rahu is associated with dark colors, so offerings might include black sesame seeds, blue or black cloth, black lentils (urad dal), and black flowers. Additionally, you can offer incense, camphor, fruits, and sweets.
- Lighting: Light an oil lamp using sesame oil or mustard oil. You can also burn camphor or dhoop (incense sticks) during the puja.
3. Purification and Invocation
- Purification: Begin by sprinkling holy water (like Ganga jal) on yourself and the surroundings to purify the space.
- Invocation: Chant "Om" three times to cleanse the environment and mind. Then, invoke Lord Ganesha by chanting "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" to remove any obstacles in the worship.
4. Chant Rahu Mantras
- Primary Mantra: One of the simplest and most common mantras for Rahu is:
- “Om Raam Rahave Namah”
- Beej Mantra: The beej (seed) mantra is considered very powerful:
- “Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah”
- Chant these mantras 108 times using a Rudraksha mala (prayer beads) for best results.
5. Special Prayers and Offerings
- Recite the Rahu Kavacham: This is a protective prayer that invokes Rahu’s blessings to safeguard against malefic effects.
- Offer Food and Donation: Prepare food (especially dishes made from black sesame or black gram) and offer it to the poor. Donating black clothes, black sesame seeds, or iron items is considered auspicious.
6. Conclude the Puja
- After completing the chanting and offerings, meditate for a few minutes, focusing on Rahu's positive attributes and the purpose of your prayer.
- Offer your respects by bowing down and seeking Rahu's blessings.
Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship Alongside Rahu
- Durga: Worshipping Goddess Durga can help in mitigating the negative influences of Rahu. Chanting Durga Saptashati or the Devi Kavacham can be beneficial.
- Kaal Bhairav: As a fierce form of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav is associated with Rahu. Worshipping him can help control the malefic effects of Rahu.
- Lord Hanuman: Hanuman is a powerful deity who protects against malefic planetary influences. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa regularly is recommended.
- Lord Shiva: Shiva is often prayed to for overcoming challenges related to Rahu. Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra can bring peace and protection.
Rare and Relevant Facts about Rahu
Mythological Origin: Rahu is a shadow planet, created during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when the demon Swarbhanu drank the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu beheaded him, but the head (Rahu) and body (Ketu) became immortal.
Rahu’s Influence: In astrology, Rahu is known to amplify desires, illusions, and materialistic pursuits. It’s associated with sudden changes, foreign travel, and unexpected events.
Gemstone: Hessonite (Gomed) is the gemstone associated with Rahu. Wearing a properly energized Hessonite stone can help alleviate Rahu's negative effects, but it should be worn only after consulting a knowledgeable astrologer.
Navagraha Temple: There are specific temples dedicated to Rahu, such as the Thirunageswaram Temple near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, where special poojas and rituals are performed to appease Rahu.
Rahu’s Direction: Rahu rules the southwest direction. It’s considered beneficial to face this direction when performing rituals or meditation dedicated to Rahu.
Worshiping Rahu requires understanding his influence and following the rituals with devotion and proper guidance. Whether through simple prayers, chanting mantras, or performing a full puja, connecting with Rahu can help one navigate the challenges he may bring and harness his energy for personal growth and success.