Rahu राहु
Rahu is the north lunar node - a shadow graha (chhaya) with no physical body, the head of the celestial serpent. It rules no sign of its own but powerfully colours whatever it touches.
- Planet / node
- North Node
- Nature
- Malefic (shadow)
- Weekday
- None (shadow graha)
- Deity
- Durga
- Gemstone
- Hessonite (Gomed)
- Metal
- Lead
What Rahu signifies
Rahu governs ambition, obsession, illusion (maya), foreign lands, the unconventional and sudden events.
When strong or afflicted
Rahu amplifies and obsesses: it can give sudden rise, worldly ambition, mastery of the unconventional and foreign gains; afflicted, it brings confusion, addiction, anxiety or deception.
Remedies
Worship of Durga, the Rahu mantra, feeding and serving the marginalised, and the hessonite (gomed) are the traditional supports.
Signs & nakshatras of Rahu
Rules no sign (a shadow graha)
Lords the nakshatras
Frequently asked questions
What is Rahu (North Node) in Vedic astrology?
Rahu is the north lunar node - a shadow graha (chhaya) with no physical body, the head of the celestial serpent. It rules no sign of its own but powerfully colours whatever it touches.
What does Rahu signify?
Rahu signifies ambition, obsession, illusion (maya), foreign lands, the unconventional and sudden events. Its deity is Durga and its gemstone is Hessonite (Gomed).
Which signs does Rahu rule?
Rahu is a shadow graha (a lunar node) and rules no sign of its own.
Which nakshatras does Rahu lord?
In the Vimshottari scheme Rahu lords Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha.
What are the remedies for Rahu?
Worship of Durga, the Rahu mantra, feeding and serving the marginalised, and the hessonite (gomed) are the traditional supports.
Last updated 26 July 2026