Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Rahu included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Rāhu
An Asura.
Birth.
Son of Kaśyapaprajāpati by his wife Siṃhikā. (Ādi Parva. Chapter 65, Verse 31).
Rāhu and the Solar eclipse.
The oldest story about Rāhu is that about the solar eclipse. (See under Candra IV, Para 4).
Other information.
(i) Rāhu is a member of Brahmā’s court. (Sabhā Parva Chapter 11, Verse 29).
(ii) Sañjaya once spoke to Dhṛtarāṣṭra about Rāhu. (Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 12, Verse 40).
(iii) Rāhu exists 10,000 yojanas below the Sun. (Bhāgavata, 5th Skandha).
(iv) Rāhu is installed in temples as wearing a half-moon on his head. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 51).