What is "rahu"

In Hindu tradition, Rahu is the severed head of an asura called Svarbhānu, that swallows the sun causing eclipses. He is depicted in art as a serpent with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. Rahu is one of the navagraha (nine planets) in Vedic astrology and is paired with Ketu. The time of day considered to be under the influence of Rahu is called Rahu kala and is considered inauspicious. In Vedic astronomy, Rahu is considered to be a rogue planet. The other name of Rahu is Bhayanaka.

Rahu may refer to:

• Rahu, one of the navagrahas (nine planets) in Vedic astrology
• Rahu River, a river in the Tasman Region, South Island, New Zealand
• Rahu, Saaremaa, a village in Valjala Commune, Saare County, Estonia