Rahu

In Hindu tradition, Rahu () is the severed head of an asura called Svarbhānu, that swallows the sun causing eclipses. He is depicted in art as a serpent with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. Rahu is one of the navagraha (nine planets) in Vedic astrology and is paired with Ketu. The time of day considered to be under the influence of Rahu is called Rahu kala and is considered inauspicious. In Vedic astronomy, Rahu is considered to be a rogue planet. The other name of Rahu is Bhayanaka.

Astronomically, Rahu and Ketu denote the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move on the celestial sphere. Therefore, Rahu and Ketu are respectively called the north and the south lunar nodes. The fact that eclipses occur when the Sun and the Moon are at one of these points gives rise to the myth of the swallowing of the Sun and the Moon by the demon snake.

Mythology

Hinduism

According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Svarbhānu drank some of the amrita. The Sun and the Moon realized it and alerted Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. Mohini cut off Svarbhānu's head before the nectar could pass his throat. The head, however, remained immortal due to the effect of amrita and became Rahu.

Öörahu

Öörahu is an island belonging to the country of Estonia.

See also

List of islands of Estonia

Coordinates: 58°46′56″N 23°26′56″E / 58.78222°N 23.44889°E / 58.78222; 23.44889

Rahu (disambiguation)

Rahu may refer to: