Rahu, or ‘The One Who Directs,’ is the North Node of the Moon, responsible for celestial occurrences like eclipses. In the context of the mind, represented by the Moon, Rahu navigates its outward expressions, symbolizing the hidden power that Rahu possesses. The impact of Rahu extends even to luminaries, highlighting its discreet but powerful influence.
Rahu is closely related to the awakening of the ‘kundalini’ energy and the descent into worldly illusions. Its control is elusive and its effects are deceptive. However, with the correct guidance, Rahu can confer profound understanding and power in both spiritual and material realms. It signifies the mind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge and its relentless drive to gain experience.
Rahu in Astrology
In the realm of astrological sciences, Rahu holds a distinctive and somewhat formidable position. This entity, unlike other celestial bodies, doesn’t have a tangible form, earning it the moniker of a ‘shadow planet.’ Yet, this lack of physicality doesn’t make it less influential.
Rahu, in its most benevolent form, has the potential to bestow a life of luxury, success, and prosperity. However, when its malevolent side takes over, it can create significant turbulence in one’s life. Hence, astrologers often suggest the chanting of specific Rahu mantras to mitigate its adverse effects. Read full story of Rahu and Ketu
Rahu’s impact in Birth Chart
Rahu’s presence in one’s birth chart or ‘kundli‘ is believed to reflect the residue of one’s past karma, particularly from the previous birth. This means that your past actions, good or bad, can influence Rahu’s effect on your life. If you were virtuous in your past life, Rahu could be in your favor, rewarding you for your goodness. Conversely, if you had accumulated negative karma, Rahu may bring challenging times.
Rahu’s association with other planets and houses
Detail on: Rahu’s Transits through the 12 Zodiac Sign
Rahu is known for its association with enmity, illness, and debt. However, on the bright side, Rahu’s influence can also instill confidence, bravery, and fearlessness. These positive traits are often sought after, and a strong Rahu in the birth chart can help one imbibe these qualities.
As Rahu doesn’t have a zodiac sign of its own, it influences the Lord of each house in a person’s birth chart. Rahu can bring positive results if it’s in a friendly relationship with the Lord of the place it’s associated with, and negative results if it’s in conflict. Astrologically, Rahu tends to be powerful in the 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses.
Various combinations of Rahu with other planets in the birth chart can yield different results. When Rahu and Venus come together, it can make a person excessively greedy, leading to poor decision-making.
A malevolent Rahu in your horoscope can complicate matters when it interacts with other planets. For instance, if it influences Venus, the planet of love, it might disrupt your love life or even lead to scenarios like infidelity or breakups. Rahu doesn’t differentiate between good and evil, acting without the bounds of righteousness (Dharma).
Rahu with Mars may also prompt hasty and regrettable decisions, leading to harmful habits like smoking or drinking. On a positive note, if Rahu combines favorably with Mercury, it can boost business growth. However, if this combination is unfavorable, it could bring bad luck.
Rahu is typically unfavorable when placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house or when it is in conjunction with the lords of these houses. Although Rahu is a symbol of knowledge, its association with malefic planets can have a contrary effect, leading to mental weakness.
Rahu Mantras
Despite its potential for disruption, the negative impact of Rahu can be addressed with the help of specific Rahu mantras. These mantras can pacify Rahu, leading to reduced obstacles and a smoother life journey. Here are some important Rahu mantras:
#1. Rahu Beej Mantra
This mantra benefits those dealing with the repercussions of significant sins committed in their past life. Regular chanting of the Rahu Beej mantra can alleviate these effects and offer protection against black magic. It strengthens your aura, helps in erasing past bad karma, and provides the potential to achieve anything in life.
ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रौं सः राहवे नमः ||
Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Saanha Raahve Namah ||
#2. Rahu Gayatri Mantra
This mantra helps in mitigating the adverse effects of Rahu, opening up unexpected opportunities, promoting healing, and providing sudden wealth and success.
ॐ नागध्वजाय विद्महे पद्महस्ताय धीमहि तन्नो राहुः प्रचोदयात् ||
Om Nagadhwajaya Vidmahe Padmahastaya Dheemahi Tanno Rahuh Prachodayat ||
Meaning – Om, Let me meditate on him who has a snake in his flag, Oh, He who has a lotus in his hand, give me higher intellect and let Rahu illuminate my mind.
#3. Rahu Shanti Mantra
This mantra is meant to soothe Rahu and lessen its troubling effects. Reciting the Rahu Shanti mantra twice a day can lead to relief from various life obstacles, ensure safety, and promote happiness.
ॐ राहुवे देवाये शान्तिं, राहुवे कृपाये करोति; राहुवे चामाये अभिलाषत्, ॐ राहुवे नमोः नमः।
Om Rahuve Devaye Shaantim, Rahuve Kripaaye Karoti; Rahuaye chamaaye abhilaashat, Om Rahuve Namoh Namah ||
Meaning – O Lord Rahu, I bow down to you and pray that you forgive my sins and honor me with your benevolent blessings.
#4. Puranic Rahu Mantra
If Rahu is unfavorably positioned in a person’s horoscope, leading to issues like slow growth, relationship problems, or wealth loss, the Puranic Rahu mantra can help pacify the planet.
ॐ अर्धकायं महावीर्य चन्द्रादित्यविमर्दनम, सिंहिकागर्भसंभूतं तं राहुं प्रणमाम्यहम ||
Ardakayam Mahaviryam Chandraditya Vimardanam Singhika Garba Sambootam Tam Rahum Pranamamyaham ||
Meaning – The native says that he is paying his respect to Rahu who has half body and great powers. He is the one who has conquered the Sun and moon and is born out of lioness.
Musts while chanting Rahu Mantra
It’s essential to note that Rahu mantras should be chanted at night or after sunset, with some exceptions like the Gayatri mantra, which can be recited at noon. Depending on the mantra, the number of recitations can vary, but typically, it’s recommended to chant these mantras 108 times. For optimal results, one can recite the Rahu mantra 18,000 times over 40 days. During your prayer rituals, present offerings of blue blooms and sandalwood to the Kali or Gayatri yantra.