Rahu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology - Part 1

We have seven planets i.e. Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.  Each planet owns two zodiac signs except Sun and Moon. Sun and Moon own one sign (Rasi) each i.e. Leo and Cancer respectively.

Seven days in a week are dedicated in the name of these planets. Sunday for Sun, Monday for Moon, Tuesday for Mars, Wednesday for Mercury, Thursday for Jupiter, Friday for Venus and Saturday for Saturn. Throughout the world, we follow seven days per week.

In Vedic astrology, we have nine planets (Nava grahas). We have already discussed about seven planets and left with two other unknown planets. What are they?

Rahu and Ketu are the two other planets, which were included by later astrologers. Rahu and Ketu do not own any zodiac sign (Rasi). They occupy any sign and represent the lord of that sign (Rasi).

The planets Rahu and Ketu do not have physical body or mass like other seven planets. Rahu and Ketu are the nodes of the moon. The ascending node is named as Rahu (also called as Dragon’s Head by westerners) and descending node is named as Ketu (also called as Dragon’s Tail by westerners). These planets are known as Chaya grahas (shadow planets). 

In Vimshottari dasa system, Rahu has been given 18 years and Ketu with 7 years. From this, we can know the importance of Rahu and Ketu in our lives.

Rahu Ketu story

According to Hindu mythology, the story of Rahu ketu goes like this.

Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Evil forces) always quarrel with each other. Devas do good things and Asuras do bad things. Devas and Asuras churn the ocean for amrita (nectar), to make themselves immortal. The Supreme God Vishnu wanted to give the whole nectar to Devas only. In this process, Lord Vishnu avoids Asuras and distributes the nectar (after churning of ocean) to Devas.

One of the Asura (Serpent) stands in between Sun and Moon to receive nectar. Once the asura got his share of nectar (amrita), Sun and Moon reveals the Asura’s identity to Supreme Lord Vishnu. Before the Asura swallows the amrita, Lord Vishnu beheads him. Since the Asura had tasted amrita, he becomes immortal even after being beheaded. The head portion of serpent is known as “Rahu” and the body with tail is “Ketu”.

As Sun and Moon were the reason behind the Asura’s body being cut into two parts, Rahu and Ketu hates Sun and Moon. With vengeance on Sun and Moon, Rahu and Ketu tries swallowing them on periodical basis. This we see as the phenomenon of Lunar and Solar eclipses. However being immortal, Sun and Moon escapes from their clutches.

Rahu & Ketu Dasa: It is said, Rahu is a giver and Ketu is taker. Rahu gives immense wealth and position during its mahadasa. The native (person) having this mahadasa, can grow without boundaries. Whereas Ketu gives only what is necessary in terms of wealth and position and takes away the excess in its dasa. In both the above cases, Rahu and Ketu should be favourably placed in Horoscope.

Best Place for Rahu and Ketu

Rahu and Ketu in 3rd, 6th and 11th house from Lagna is good. The native will get good results.

Rahu in 3rd house: Capable, Bold, Quarrels with siblings, Proud, Wealthy, has long life.
Rahu in 6th house: Long life, Rich, Destroys hurdles, Brave, Winner.
Rahu in 11th house: Wealthy, Long life, little deaf, Prosperity.

Ketu in 3rd house: Long life, Rich, Good person.
Ketu in 6th house: Courageous, Success, Famous, Enjoys life.
Ketu in 11th house: Enjoyments, Success, Learned, Gains, Prosperity, Rich.

Note: The above results are subject to modifications due to the aspect of other planets, association with other planets, placement of sign lord and running dasa period.

Rahu & Ketu in other houses can be read in my post Rahu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology - Part 2

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