Significance of Rahu
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rahu'
In Buddhism, Rahu is a noble asura, a celestial being. He is known for capturing the Moon deity. Rahu later freed the Moon after being moved by the Buddha's recitation of sacred verses.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A celestial entity from whose jaws the moon was metaphorically escaped, representing Sutasoma's swift return.[1]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) This is an obstruction of the sun and the moon, causing them to give no heat and no light.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This individual, the king of the Asuras, is mentioned as being capable of measuring the depth of the great ocean.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Rahu'
Rahu, in Hinduism, is a significant celestial entity, often linked to eclipses, misfortune, and challenges. It's a demon associated with obstacles, worldly desires, and negative influences. Rahu's position in houses affects various life aspects, from wealth and relationships to health and well-being. It can bring both suffering and, paradoxically, wealth.
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Rahu, the son of Sinhika, was appointed as the king of all portends and evil omens.[4] (2) It is a dreadful planet that, by its own effulgence, is possessing the star Swati and is waiting in Kamsa's tenth star Citra.[5] (3) This refers to Rahu, the eldest of the Sainghikeyas, known for repressing the sun and the moon, highlighting his role as a celestial being and his influence on the cosmos.[6] (4) A figure mentioned in relation to the sun's behavior when it is eclipsed.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) A celestial body that, along with the Sun and Mars, is leagued against the monarch's natal sign, indicating impending danger.[8] (2) The demon that causes the dimming of Rohini's light, symbolizing an opposing force.[9] (3) 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.[10] (4) Rahu is mentioned in the context of jaws, which is a metaphor.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This swallowed up both the Sun and the Moon at the same time as a terrible wind blew.[12] (2) Sanjaya would describe Rahu to Dhritarashtra, along with the sun and the moon, as requested by Dhritarashtra.[13] (3) A mythological entity often depicted as a celestial body that causes eclipses, used metaphorically in battle.[14]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Rahu, the son of Simhika, is a powerful Daitya who was divided into two during the churning of the milk ocean, marking a significant event in his story.[15] (2) A highly intelligent Daitya who managed to consume the nectar and was involved in the plot around it.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Rahu is used as an analogy to describe how Ravana obstructed the sun-god's path in heaven.[17] (2) Another astrological figure included in the worship, often associated with worldly desires and challenges.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Rahu lent his splendour to the point of Atikaya's standard.[19] (2) Rahu is used in a comparison to describe Ravana's presence in front of the two princes, likened to Rahu in the presence of the sun and moon.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rahu is a celestial entity, the son of Simhika, positioned below the Sun, known for its movement similar to a Nakshattra, and possessing immortality, with the capacity to travel across the sky and swallowing the Sun and the Moon.[21]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) If Rahu is in the ascendant, aspected or joined by the sun, there is no meal at all.[22] (2) This is a planet whose presence in the twelfth house can bring danger from enemies and the death of servants, pain in the head, ears, and stomach, and eye disease for men, according to the text.[23] (3) This refers to a celestial entity, associated with fear and danger. It influences the outcomes described in this context, bringing about fear and loss.[24] (4) Rahu is a planet whose daily period is associated with specific results that are identical to those of Ketu, as described in the text.[25] (5) 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.[26]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The impacts associated with it will be observed following a period of six months.[27] (2) Rahu, when present in certain houses at the time of marriage, signifies various outcomes, including the death of sons, early death, the woman becoming a widow, or experiencing financial loss or unchastity.[28]
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.[29]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A demon in Hindu mythology associated with eclipses, representing the obstacles that may impede spiritual realization.[30]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Rahu is manifested in the moon, according to the text, and knowledge of Rahu arises from its association with the moon or the sun.[31]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Rahu, along with Ravi (the sun), was situated in Kumbha-rashi (Aquarius), in Purvabhadrapada, affecting astrological readings and cosmic occurrences, illustrating the role of Rahu.[32]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) "Rahu", one of the nine planets, is represented by the left hand in Sarpa-shirsha and the right hand in Suci position.[33]
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.[34]
The concept of Rahu in local and regional sources
Rahu, in this text, is an Asura chief aiding in Earth's creation and a celestial entity influencing eclipses. It's also the Moon's ascending node, a pseudoplanet within the nine grahas, whose position involves calculations using Kali years and Dhruva values.
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.[35] (2) This is the name of the Moon's ascending node, and its mean position is calculated by subtracting a value from the Dhruva.[36] (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.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A celestial body or entity that influences solar and lunar eclipses, as described in the provided text.[38]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Rahu is the Asura Chief who was asked by Great Vishnu to help create the earth, and he brought a handful of sand from the bottom of the water.[39]