What Is Rahu Kaal And Why is It Dreaded?

The mere mention of Rahu Kaal brings fear and confusion for most people. Let me clarify in very simple terms what the planet is, what it means and why the fear. Once we understand something, we approach it not with fear but with a mature understanding backed by intelligent actions.

Rahu and Ketu are 2 planets that are part of the Vedic or what's popularly called Parashari Jyotish. Unlike other planets like Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and others which are tangible or physical bodies (something that can be seen or touched), Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points. One can understand the detailed calculation as a student of jyotish but as a non student, it is sufficient to know that these are not physical bodies that one can observe in the sky. However, our sages have deemed these 2 mathematical points of extreme significance while analysing birthcharts and predicting the effects.

Having understood what Rahu is, let me share what Rahu Kaal is. Simply put, this is roughly a one and a half hour timeframe everyday that is considered not good for any new activities. Why? This is because Rahu governs reckless bahaviour, rashness, uncalculated risks and enthusiam to flirt with danger. Hence if we start a new venture during this time, we may not have the same enthusiam to complete it as we had when we jumped into it. Even if we believe that we have started an initiative with all possible planning, a venture always involves people other than us. Others are also governed by Rahu during Rahu Kaal and someone who is part of the new effort may back out later.

The new work can be a business transaction, a journey, a meeting, a medical treatment or anything else. So does it mean we do nothing during these 1.5 hours everyday? Not at all. The Rahu Kaal is inauspicious or not recommended essentially for new ventures or anything where you are taking the first step, making the first call. An ongoing project, venture or activity is fine.

Lastly how is Rahu Kaal determined for each day? The approximately 1.5 hours Rahu Kaal period is calculated mathematically and depends on the sunrise and sunset time for a particular city. This roughly 1.5 hours segment is different for each day but falls around the same time for a specific week day. Let me explain. For eg the Rahu Kaal for Monday will always be in the morning, an hour and a half after sunrise while as Rahu Kaal for Sunday will always be in late afternoon. The exact time, like I said above is dependent on the sunrise and sunset. There are various online Panchaangs that can give the exact time for Rahu Kaal for a certain day.

I hope the above helps clarify and remove any fears about this powerful planet.