Rahu is not actually the planet but the unique concept in Hindu astrology. Rahu is considered the node where Earth`s trajectory round the Sun, and Moon`s trajectory around the earth intersects in the north direction.
It is actually the precise point where the Moon is in alignment with the Sun and the Earth. in common zodiacal longitude that is why Rahu is considered the head of the demon in Hindu astrology.
According to Hindu Mythology, Rahu was punished by Lord Vishnu on the complaints of Sun and Moon during the occasion of drinking immortal nectar by all gods. Since then Rahu and his cut body or Ketu are taking revenge by causing sun and moon eclipses.
Astrologers believe Rahu to be a Shudra graham or the malefic planet signifying thieves, witches, magicians, venom, snake, jails, cemeteries, spies, criminals, terrorists etc. Effect of Rahu are more or less similar to Sani causing discomfort, failure, unexpected losses etc while if Rahu favors someone then ushers contrary effects on the same by granting success, unexpected gains, strengthen one`s powers and turns foes in friends.
Astrological Effects: It is said to be dignified in Taurus, giving favorable results in Libra as well. Virgo can be considered to be Rahu`s own house, as Rahu is similar to Saturn and Mercury is the friend of Saturn. Rahu likes its friends Mercury, Saturn and Venus.
The enemies are Sun, Moon, and Mars. This planet relates to the mind, and can give menacing habits, fights and trifles to an ignorant man. . It rules purple and different tones of grey colors.
Significance Rahu is a legendary master of deception. It signifies cheats, pleasure seekers, insincere an immoral acts, operators in foreign land, drug dealer, poison dealers etc. Rahu is the significant of Faulty Logic, Harsh speech, an irreligious person, going to a foreign country, Unclean, Bones, abdominal ulcers, Falsehood.
Rahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even an enemy into a friend. The effect of snake bite is removed by its grace.
Rahu Mantra"Om Dhum Ram Rahave Namah"
Navgraha Mantra"Ardhakaayam mahaveeryam chandradithya vimardhanam
Sinhigaagarbha sambootham tham raahum pranamamyaham"
Rahu Gayatri Mantraom naakadhwajaaya vidmahae
padma hastaaya dheemahi
tanno raahu: prachodayaat