Navagrahas-Rahu-North Lunar Node and Ketu-South Lunar Node

Navagrahas Rahu & Ketu (The Shadow Planets)

Planetary Attributes of Rahu

Attribute	Details
Name	Rahu (North Lunar Node)
Caste	Mixed (Sankeerana)
Other Names	Thamum, Karuppu, Karunagan
Color	Black
Wife	Simhika
Nature	Movable (Chara Graha)
Element	Sky (Akasha Graha)
Gemstone	Gomedhaka (Hessonite)
Flower	Mandharai
Quality	Malefic
Deity	Bhadra Kali
Prathyathi Devata	Serpent (Sarpa)
Shape	Flag (Kodi)
Region	Barbar
Sacrificial Wood	Arugam (Bermuda Grass)
Direction	Southwest
Taste	Sour
Metal	Black stone/Lead
Vahana (Mount)	Goat/Sheep
Disease	Bile-related ailments
Grain	Uladh (Urad Dal)
Nadi	Sleshma Nadi (Phlegm)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Grandfather, Maternal Grandfather
Zodiac Sign (Own)	None
Debilitation (Neecha)	Vrischika (Scorpio)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Rishabam (Taurus)
Moolatrikona	Kumbam (Aquarius)
Body Parts	Knee, Head
Own Nakshatras	Thiruvathirai (Arudra), Kavadhi (Svati), Sadayam (Shatabhisha)
Gender	Female
Direction	Southwest
Mahadasha Period	18 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	1.5 Years
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Vyadhipadha
Friends	Shani, Shukra
Enemies	Surya, Chandra, Mangal
Neutral	Budha, Guru
Sacred Temple	Thirunageswaram
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thiruthalaivilli Mangalam (Twin Temple)
Avatar of Vishnu	Varaha (Boar)
Benefits	Victory in all endeavors
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Uladh Rice (Urad Dal Rice)
Season	Not specified
Weekday	Not specified
Dates	4, 13, 22
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	Not specified
Symbol	Light
Social Role	Servant
Authority	Servant
Element	Sky
Representation	Father's side
Languages	Other languages
Gotra	Ananda Bhairavi
Raga	Not specified

Planetary Attributes of Ketu

Attribute	Details
Name	Ketu (South Lunar Node)
Caste	Mixed (Sankeerana)
Other Names	Semmai, Sigai, Kathirpagai, Chennagan
Color	Red
Wife	Chitraloka
Nature	(Not specified)
Element	Sky (Akasha Graha)
Gemstone	Vaiduryam (Cat's Eye)
Flower	Sevalli (Red Hibiscus)
Quality	Malefic
Deity	Indra, Chitragupta
Prathyathi Devata	Brahma
Shape	(Not specified)
Region	Antharvedhi
Sacrificial Wood	Tharapadai
Direction	Northwest
Taste	Sour
Metal	Turukkappu
Vahana (Mount)	Lion
Disease	Bile-related ailments
Grain	Kollu (Horse Gram)
Nadi	Sleshma Nadi (Phlegm)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Wisdom, Liberation (Moksha)
Zodiac Sign (Own)	None
Debilitation (Neecha)	Rishabam (Taurus)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Vrischika (Scorpio)
Moolatrikona	Meenam (Pisces)
Body Parts	Sole of the foot
Own Nakshatras	Ashwini, Magam (Magha), Moolam
Gender	Neutral (Kliba)
Direction	Northwest
Mahadasha Period	7 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	1.5 Years
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Dhoomadhan
Friends	Shani, Shukra
Enemies	Surya, Chandra, Mangal
Neutral	Budha, Guru
Sacred Temple	Keezha Perumpallam
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thiruthalaivilli Mangalam (Twin Temple)
Avatar of Vishnu	Matsya (Fish)
Benefits	Removal of poverty and diseases
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Not specified
Season	Not specified
Weekday	Not specified
Dates	7, 16, 25
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	Not specified
Symbol	Light
Social Role	Servant
Authority	Servant
Element	Water
Representation	Father's side
Lineage/Clan	Not specified
Gotra	Gemini Gotra
Raga	Nattai

Origin (Birth) of Rahu and Ketu

The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)

The story of Rahu and Ketu begins with the churning of the ocean of milk (Pal Kadal) by the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita).

The Deception

During the churning, Rahu, an Asura, disguised himself as a Deva and sat in the line to receive the nectar from Lord Vishnu (who was in the form of Mohini, the enchantress). He consumed some of the nectar. However, Surya (the Sun God) and Chandra (the Moon God) recognized him and alerted Vishnu.

The Severing

Lord Vishnu immediately used his discus (Sudarshana Chakra) and cut off Rahu's head. However, because Rahu had already consumed the nectar, he did not die. His head became the planet Rahu, and his body became the planet Ketu.

The Eternal Enmity

Because Surya and Chandra exposed Rahu, he holds an eternal grudge against them. This is why Rahu is said to cause solar and lunar eclipses by swallowing the Sun and Moon.

Their Penance

Rahu and Ketu performed intense penance to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and were granted the status of planets. They became the Chaya Grahas (shadow planets) and were given the power to bestow karmic results.

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Significance of Rahu and Ketu in Astrology

Rahu and Ketu are not physical planets but are mathematical points in the sky-the North and South Lunar Nodes. They are considered shadow planets (Chaya Grahas) and are powerful in Vedic astrology.

Rahu's Significations

Rahu governs:

• Illusion and deception

• Materialism and ambition

• Foreign lands and foreigners

• Technology and innovation

• Speculation and gambling

• Substance abuse and addiction

• Politics and power

• Sudden fame and fortune

Ketu's Significations

Ketu governs:

• Wisdom and spiritual knowledge

• Liberation (Moksha) and renunciation

• Mysticism and the occult

• Past life karma

• Visions and intuition

• Accidents and sudden changes

• Detachment and non-attachment

Rahu's Details

• Exaltation: Rishabam (Taurus)

• Debilitation: Vrischika (Scorpio)

• Moolatrikona: Kumbam (Aquarius)

• Mahadasha Period: 18 Years

• Transit Period: 1.5 Years

• Own Nakshatras: Thiruvathirai (Arudra), Kavadhi (Svati), Sadayam (Shatabhisha)

Ketu's Details

• Exaltation: Vrischika (Scorpio)

• Debilitation: Rishabam (Taurus)

• Moolatrikona: Meenam (Pisces)

• Mahadasha Period: 7 Years

• Transit Period: 1.5 Years

• Own Nakshatras: Ashwini, Magam (Magha), Moolam

Rahu's Relationship with Other Planets

• Friends: Shani, Shukra

• Enemies: Surya, Chandra, Mangal

• Neutral: Budha, Guru

Ketu's Relationship with Other Planets

• Friends: Shani, Shukra

• Enemies: Surya, Chandra, Mangal

• Neutral: Budha, Guru

No Own Signs

Rahu and Ketu do not have their own zodiac signs. They are considered to own the signs of the planets they are associated with or are considered neutral.

Rahu and Ketu in Different Houses

General Principles

• Rahu and Ketu give results based on the house they occupy and the planets they associate with.
• They act like the planets they are conjunct with or the lord of the house they occupy.
• They are said to be yogakaraka (bestowers of great fortune) if well-placed.
• They can give sudden success, fame, and wealth.

Auspicious Placements

• Favorable positions: 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 11th houses from the Lagna.

• These placements bring sudden fortune, unexpected growth, and instant luck.

Rahu's Effects in Different Houses

Rahu's House	Effects
1st House	Poor health. Strong desire. Low thoughts. Problems with spouse. Spouse's health affected. Unattractive face. Crooked teeth. Mental illness.
2nd House	Can speak well (but may lie). Loss of father's fortune. Putra Dosha. Many women in the family. Frequent family conflicts. Food can become poison if not careful. Avoid arguments.
3rd House	Courageous. No younger siblings (or conflicts with them). Long life. Success in business. Good foreign connections.
4th House	Mother's health declines. Snakes frequently enter the house. Restlessness at home. No peace in family life. Maternal relatives may be enemies. High family expenses. Be careful with vehicles.
5th House	Putra Dosha. In women, uterine infections. Dull intellect. Lack of children (or problems with them). Sudden income at times. Lack of self-esteem.
6th House	Defeats enemies through clever tactics. Poverty in youth. Takes loans. Suffers from diseases. Bodily wounds. Pain. Mother's relatives become enemies. New strategies in business. Good income.
7th House	Kalathra Dosha. Connections with many women. Strong desire for sensual pleasures. Spouse's health declines. Marital problems. Those associated with him/her may cheat. If unmarried, delays marriage; if married, confusion and separation. Careful in partnerships.
8th House	Bodily ailments. Unnecessary arguments with friends. Fluctuating wealth. Conflicts with spouse. Accidents. Avoid over-commitment. Poor financial conditions. May die bed-ridden. Bodily wounds. Avoid staying in unsafe places. Good to be agreeable with family.
9th House	Severe Pitru Dosha. Obstacles in all endeavors. Curse of elders. Father's health affected. Unable to pursue higher education. Does pious deeds. Careful when buying property.
10th House	Good business opportunities. Good income. Business through foreigners. Interest in spirituality. May need to work hard to overcome obstacles. Can succeed in the arts. Satisfactory business.
11th House	Good wealth. Steady income. Conflicts with elder siblings. Social respect. Opportunities for spiritual journeys. Financial growth. Starts new businesses often.
12th House	High expenses. Poor income despite hard work. Lack of restful sleep. Putra Dosha. Expenses due to children. Foot problems. Unexpected expenses. Foreign job opportunities.

Ketu's Effects in Different Houses

Ketu's House	Effects
1st House	Problems from enemies. Good business skills. Body issues. If in Makaram or Kumbam (Shani's signs), can rule a country. If in Vrischika (Mangal's sign), good yoga. Otherwise, life is difficult. If with Shani, the native is wealthy.
2nd House	Financial problems. Family issues. Less interest in studies. Conflicts at home. Mental restlessness. Delayed marriage. Childbirth delayed after marriage.
3rd House	Self-centered. Problems caused by them. No younger siblings (or problems). Good education. Strong desire for sex. Good intelligence. Obstacles in all endeavors. Remedy: Rameswaram.
4th House	Mother's health okay, but problems on her side. One of her siblings may have marital problems. Negative thoughts. Rejects others' advice. Obstacles in buying vehicles. Problems with loans. House may be near a temple (often Ganesha temple).
5th House	Bad qualities. Dull intellect. Stomach pain. Constant worry. Severe Putra Dosha. Even if children exist, they bring no benefit. Worship Vinayaka for relief.
6th House	No enemies. Youthful problems. Good respect from relatives. Luxurious life. If in Kataka (Cancer), strong interest in food and drink. Frequent water-related issues. Danger in water. Need caution.
7th House	Kalathra Dosha. Marriage conflicts. Youthful life not good. Connections with other women. Worries about married life. Bodily diseases.
8th House	Marital problems. Reduced physical strength. Bodily diseases and wounds. Difficulty in walking. Suicidal thoughts. Generally, Ketu in this house brings diseases.
9th House	Pitru Dosha causes obstacles in all aspects. Constant conflicts with father. No religious inclination. Friends help. Unstable mind. People of other religions help.
10th House	Interest in the arts. Will be an artist. Does not hurt others. Compassionate. Good self-confidence and success in business. Interest in religions. Father's health not good. May not get along with father.
11th House	Wealth accumulation. Good financial status. Friends help. No lack of pleasure. Good income. Good social respect. Conflicts with elder siblings.
12th House	This may be the native's last birth. Frequent visits to sacred places. No accumulation of wealth (spent on piety). Less interest in worldly pleasures. Foot problems. Good debating skills and success.

Rahu and Ketu Dosha

Rahu Dosha

• Caused by affliction to Rahu in the horoscope.
• Results in confusion, illusion, addiction, and obstacles in life.
• Can cause sudden accidents, legal issues, and loss of reputation.

Ketu Dosha

• Caused by affliction to Ketu in the horoscope.
• Results in accidents, health issues, mental anguish, and spiritual confusion.
• Can cause detachment, loss of wealth, and sudden changes in life.

Naga Dosha (Snake Affliction)

• This is a specific type of Dosha caused by the affliction of Rahu and Ketu (both associated with snakes).
• Results in childlessness, marital problems, health issues, and financial difficulties.
• Remedy: Performing Naga Puja and worshipping at Naga temples.

Kalasarpa Dosha

• This occurs when all planets are placed between Rahu and Ketu in the horoscope.
• The planets become trapped and lose their strength.
• Results in obstacles, delays, and hardships in life.
• Remedy: Performing special rituals at Kalahasti or other sacred temples.

Worship and Remedies for Rahu and Ketu

Temples for Rahu

• Thirunageswaram: This is the primary temple for Rahu remedies (near Kumbakonam).
• Kalahasti: Rahu worship is performed here with special ceremonies.

Temples for Ketu

• Keezha Perumpallam: This is the primary temple for Ketu remedies (near Nagapattinam).
• Kalahasti: Ketu worship is also performed here.

Temples for Both Rahu and Ketu

• Thiruthalaivilli Mangalam: One of the Nava Thirupathis (nine sacred Vishnu temples), this is a twin temple dedicated to both Rahu and Ketu.

Rahu Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Rahu Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Sookthanthaya Vidhmahe Ugra Roopaya Dheemahi Thanno Rahu Prachodayath"

Ketu Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Ketu Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Ashwa Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Shoola Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Ketu Prachodayath"

Durga Gayatri Mantra (for Rahu)

Chant the following Durga Gayatri mantra during Rahu's Dasha/Transit:

"Om Kadhayanyaya Vidhmahe Kanyakumarai Dheemahi Thanno Durga Prachodayath"

Vinayaka Gayatri Mantra (for Ketu)

Chant the following Vinayaka Gayatri mantra during Ketu's Dasha/Transit:

"Om Eka Danthaya Vidhmahe Vakra Thundaya Dheemahi Thanno Danthi Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Ram Reem Um Shanaiswara Devaya Nama" (for Rahu)

Rituals for Rahu

• Worship Durga Devi or Kali Amman.
• Offer black-colored items, especially Uladh (urad dal).
• Visit Thirunageswaram for special Abhishekam (bathing) of Rahu.

Rituals for Ketu

• Worship Lord Ganesha or Chitragupta.
• Offer Kollu (horse gram) or red-colored items.
• Visit Keezha Perumpallam for special pujas.
• On Ganesha Chaturthi, perform special Abhishekam and offerings to Ganesha.
• In Kanchipuram, there is a separate temple for Chitragupta, where Ketu remedies can be performed.

General Principles

• Worship deities like Durga, Kali, and Ganesha.
• Perform charity on the day of Rahu Kalam (a specific time period ruled by Rahu) or on Tuesdays/Saturdays.
• Donate blue/black items or urad dal to the poor.
• Chanting mantras with devotion is very effective.

Thirunageswaram Temple (The Rahu Temple)

Location: Thirunageswaram is located in the Thanjavur district, about 6 km from Kumbakonam on the way to Karaikal.

Significance

• This temple is the primary shrine for Rahu.
• The main deity here is Lord Shiva as Naganathar (the Lord of Snakes), with the goddess Piriyani Vanudhal.
• Rahu has a separate shrine in this temple.

Temple Legends and Specialties

• Rahu's Iconography: Rahu is typically depicted with a human head and a snake's body. However, in this temple, Rahu is depicted in human form with his two wives (Naga Valli and Naga Kanni). This is unique.

• Milk Changes Color: When Abhishekam (sacred bathing) is performed to Rahu, the milk turns blue in color. This is a miraculous phenomenon observed even today.

• The Story of Dakshaka: The serpent king Dakshaka came from the netherworld (Patala) to worship Lord Shiva here. This is why the Lord is called Naganathar.

The Deities

• Lord Shiva: Naganathar (Swayambhu Linga).
• Goddess: Piriyani Vanudhal (also known as Kiri Gujambigai).
• Rahu: Has a separate shrine with his two wives.

The Three Goddesses

In a single shrine, three goddesses are worshipped together:

• Kiri Gujambigai
• Lakshmi
• Saraswati

This is a unique feature of this temple.

Temple Festivals

• Maha Sivaratri
• Margazhi Thiruvathirai
• Panguni Uthiram
• Karthigai Deepam
• Rahu Peyarchi (Rahu's transit) is celebrated with special pujas.

Rahu Kalam Puja

Every Sunday, between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM (Rahu Kalam), special pujas are performed to Rahu. Milk Abhishekam is conducted at this time.

Keezha Perumpallam Temple (The Ketu Temple)

Location: Keezha Perumpallam is located in the Nagapattinam district (Tharangambadi Taluka), about 57 km from Kumbakonam.

Significance

• This temple is the primary shrine for Ketu.
• The main deity here is Lord Shiva as Naganathar (the Lord of Snakes), with the goddess Suvanthari Nayaki.
• Ketu has a separate shrine in this temple.

Temple Legends and Specialties

• Ketu's Iconography: Ketu is depicted with a snake's head and a human body, or sometimes with a human head and a snake's body. In this temple, he is depicted facing west, with folded hands, facing Lord Shiva.

• The Story of Vasuki: During the churning of the ocean, the serpent Vasuki was used as the rope. When the poison (Halahala) emerged, Vasuki was in great pain and distress. Vasuki performed penance here and was blessed by Lord Shiva, who manifested as Naganathar.

The Deities

• Lord Shiva: Naganathar (Swayambhu Linga).
• Goddess: Suvanthari Nayaki.
• Ketu: Has a separate shrine.

The Sacred Tank

• Naga Theertham: Bathing here is said to cure Naga Dosha.

The Sacred Tree

• Sthala Vriksham: Mooli (Bamboo).

Temple Festivals

• Sivaratri
• Aippasi Annabhishekam
• Panguni Vasuki Utsavam

Rituals for Ketu

• Offer Sevalli (red hibiscus) flowers to Ketu.
• Offer Kollu (horse gram) rice as Nivedhanam (offering).
• Light a lamp with seven wicks.
• During Rahu Kalam and Yama Kandam (specific time periods), special Abhishekam and pujas are performed.

The Sixteen Items

On the day of Amavasya (New Moon) or during Ketu's transit, a special puja with 16 types of offerings is performed. This includes:

• Bathing the deity with 16 different substances.
• Offering Kollu rice with salt and pepper.
• Offering multi-colored clothes.
• Lighting a lamp with ghee.

Cost of Rituals

• Regular Abhishekam: ₹450
• Special Puja (16 items): ₹75
• Personal puja (on a specified day): ₹3,500

The Story of Rahu (Detailed)

Rahu's Penance and Boon

Rahu, after being cursed by Lord Vishnu, performed intense penance to Lord Shiva to regain his glory. He also worshipped at Thirunageswaram and was blessed by Lord Shiva to become a planet. Since then, Thirunageswaram has been the primary Rahu Sthalam.

Rahu's Wives

Rahu is depicted with his two wives:

• Simhika (or Naga Valli)
• Chitraleka (or Naga Kanni)

Rahu's Significance

• Rahu is the significator of illusion, deception, and sudden gains.
• He rules over foreign lands, foreign people, and foreign trade.
• He governs technology, communication, and innovation.

The Story of Ketu (Detailed)

Ketu's Penance and Boon

Ketu, being the severed body of Rahu, also performed penance to Lord Shiva. He was blessed to become a planet and was given the power to bestow spiritual knowledge and liberation.

Ketu's Significance

• Ketu is the significator of wisdom, spirituality, and liberation.
• He governs mysticism, occult sciences, and past life karma.
• He is associated with detachment, renunciation, and sudden changes.

Ketu and Ganesha

Ketu is often associated with Lord Ganesha. It is said that Ketu is an avatar of Ganesha or that Ganesha is the Prathyathi Devata (presiding deity) of Ketu. Worshiping Ganesha helps appease Ketu.

Rahu and Ketu's Number and Gemstone

Rahu

• Numbers: 4, 13, 22
• Gemstone: Gomedhaka (Hessonite)

Ketu

• Numbers: 7, 16, 25
• Gemstone: Vaiduryam (Cat's Eye)

Summary of Rahu and Ketu's Attributes

Attribute	Rahu	Ketu
Color	Black	Red
Metal	Lead	Mixed
Gemstone	Hessonite	Cat's Eye
Grain	Urad Dal	Horse Gram
Vahana	Goat	Lion
Direction	Southwest	Northwest
Element	Sky	Sky
Dasha Period	18 Years	7 Years
Transit Period	1.5 Years	1.5 Years

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Final Thoughts on Rahu and Ketu

• Rahu and Ketu are the karmic planets.
• They deliver the results of past life actions.
• They are not inherently good or bad but act as the messengers of karma.
• Their influence can bring sudden and unexpected events, both good and bad.
• Worshiping the appropriate deities and performing remedies can help mitigate their negative effects.

Positive Effects

• Rahu can bring sudden wealth, fame, and success.
• Ketu can bring spiritual wisdom and liberation.

Negative Effects

• Rahu can cause confusion, addiction, and deception.
• Ketu can cause accidents, detachment, and sudden changes.

Remedy

• Regularly chant their mantras.
• Worship deities like Durga, Kali, Ganesha, and Chitragupta.
• Perform charity and help the needy.
• Visit the sacred temples of Thirunageswaram and Keezha Perumpallam.

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See Also:Navagrahas Rahu North Node Ketu