Significance of Rahu
In Dutch: Rahu; In German: Rahu; In Finnish: Rahu; In Spanish: Rahu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Rahu'
Rahu in Hinduism is a dark celestial figure representing obstacles and eclipses, symbolizing challenges faced in life. It is often depicted as a demon associated with ignorance, impacting spiritual pursuits and astrological predictions.
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Rahu is a planet whose daily period is associated with specific results that are identical to those of Ketu, as described in the text.[1] (2) This celestial body, when in the eighth house, can give death by a weapon. Its presence, especially in its domicile, can lead to unfavorable outcomes, particularly when it is joined with other malefics.[2] (3) Rahu's influence, when occupying the ninth house, increases merit, and makes triumph on account of the king, destruction of enemies, dawning of fortune and acquisition of wealth, but also suffering to cattle and kinsmen.[3] (4) This is a planet that, when in the fifth house, causes the loss of one's understanding, suffering to children, affliction to one's own stomach, and harm with regard to wealth.[4] (5) Rahu, abbreviated as Ra, is one of the astrological planets that represents the north node of the Moon, with a significant role in astrology.[5]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The demon that causes the dimming of Rohini's light, symbolizing an opposing force.[6] (2) Rahu is the one who mars the glory of the Lord of Stars, and whose presence is compared to the fading of light in a moment of sadness.[7] (3) Rahu is mentioned in the context of jaws, which is a metaphor.[8]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A mythological entity often depicted as a celestial body that causes eclipses, used metaphorically in battle.[9]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A highly intelligent Daitya who managed to consume the nectar and was involved in the plot around it.[10]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another astrological figure included in the worship, often associated with worldly desires and challenges.[11]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A figure mentioned in relation to the sun's behavior when it is eclipsed.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A demon in Hindu mythology who represents obstacles, often associated with eclipses and ignorance, as he is said to swallow the moon.[13]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A demon in Hindu mythology associated with eclipses, representing the obstacles that may impede spiritual realization.[14]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A celestial entity that is referenced as being comparable to the severed head of a king brought to service.[15]
The concept of Rahu in local and regional sources
Rahu refers to a pseudoplanet among the nine grahas in Gargiyajyotisha, influencing eclipses and representing the Moon's ascending node. Its calculations involve specific methods such as using Kali years and adjusting the Dhruva position.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This term represents the ascending node of the Moon, and the text describes how to calculate its dhruva, involving the multiplication of the number of Kali years by 43.[16] (2) This is the name of the Moon's ascending node, and its mean position is calculated by subtracting a value from the Dhruva.[17] (3) Rahu is a pseudoplanet, and it is one of the nine grahas in the Gargiyajyotisha, and also appears in the order of the grahas.[18]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A celestial body or entity that influences solar and lunar eclipses, as described in the provided text.[19]