Rahu and Ketu in Hindu religion and astrology are two names that cause fear and confusion. Associated with darkness, eclipse, and mischief, these two planetary deities are an integral part of the Navagraha cluster despite their shadowy origins.
Originally a single demon, Rahu and Ketu have significant effects on the life of an individual, making them popular among those who believe in Jyotisha.
Who are Rahu-Ketu, why are they feared and do they have any positive impact? This blog is dedicated to answering these questions and solving the enigma that is Rahu-Ketu.
The most popular episode in the story of Rahu and Ketu is the cosmic event of Samudra-Manthan or the churning of the ocean. When the treasures or 14 Ratnas emerged from the ocean, with them came Amrita or nectar, which had immortalizing qualities, something the god and demons, both sides involved in the churning sought.
Mohini, the female form of Vishnue merged, to divide the amrita among both sides, but in order to keep the boon of immortality away from the evil Asuras, Mohini gave the Amrita only to the Devas. Rahu or Svarbhanu, a demon saw this, and sat amongst the gods, taking the form of a Deva.
Surya and Chandra saw through his facades and hinted this to Mohini, who with the Chakra of Vishnu, severed the body of Rahu into two. Since the Amrita was already consumed by Rahu, even after being cut in two halves, he could not die.
A serpent head was given to the lower body of Rahu and a serpent tail was attached to his torso, giving birth to the two unique beings- Rahu and Ketu. The part with the human torso was named Rahu, and the one with the serpent head was named Ketu.
While the other planetary deities or Grahas have definite, divine forms, Rahu and Ketu are believed to lack a physical form. It is because there is no actual graha or planet called Rahu or Ketu, but these are the names given to the ascending and descending nodes of the moon.
When depicted in paintings or statues, Rahu is presented as an otherworldly being with the head of a human and the body of a snake, wearing regal attire and ornaments. Sometimes, he is given a dark complexion and fearsome expressions.
Ketu on the other hand has an even more interesting form, with the head of a serpent and the lower body of a man. He is presented with a radiant aura and beautiful garments. Rahu is sometimes given a tiger as a mount or Vahana while Ketu sits on a vulture.
Grahana or eclipses are a major astronomical and astrological activity in Indian culture. The Jyotisha sees eclipses not as mere planetary activity, but as a part of larger religious tradition. The reason behind solar and lunar eclipses is explained by the story of Samdura Manthana.
According to traditions, since Surya and Chandra, the solar and lunar deities saw and identified Rahu, resulting in his face-off with Mohini as Vishnu and severing of his body into two, Rahu and Ketu vowed to take revenge on them both.
As a result, the Surya and Chandra Grahana are caused by Rahu and Ketu. While Rahu “eats” Surya causing Solar eclipses, Ketu is believed to “devour” Chandrama, resulting in lunar eclipses.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu hold immense importance. They are not considered physical planets but rather shadowy points that influence a person's life path.
Rahu is a representative of worldly desires. It impacts and leads the individual on a path to success, fame, and money but its effect also causes confusion, delusion, and misfortune in life. Rahu’s presence may lead an individual to unconventional life choices, but it also causes one to run behind short-term gains and temptations.
Ketu on the other hand is a planet of disenchantment and dissociation, which can help one attain spiritual liberation. However, its negative impacts cause a disconnection from the real world, mental and emotional instability, and isolation from the world around.
The worship of goddess Durga who is victorious over all Asuras, Shiva, and Guru (teacher as well as the planet Jupiter) is said to bring positive results and protect one from the ill effects of Rahu and Ketu.
In Conclusion
Though seen as negative and demonic, Rahu and Ketu can make a person driven in material and spiritual goals and can result in massive success in life. It is by cruising through the difficulties caused by these planets, that a person becomes iron-willed and gets unprecedented accomplishments as a result.
Thus, while Rahu and Ketu have a rather violent and negative backstory, it can be said that their presence creates a life that is adventurous, formidable, and heroic if a person can brave through the tests these Grahas put forward.
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