A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 19 Rahu : He somewhat looks like Budha (Mercury) but both Gods differ in fundamental nature. Just like how Budha rides a white lion, he is shown riding a black lion. But just like Budha, he carries all the same weapons. The Mantras and meanings: Ardha Kaayam Mahaa Viiryan Chandraa Ditya Vimar Dhanam Sinhi Kaa Garbha Sambhutam Tam Rahum Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Rahu, the son of Simhika, having half a body, of extraordinary strength, the eclipser of the Moon and the Sun. It is chanted every day, after sunset to get success in career, frame & occultism. Gemstone is Gomed (Hessonite). The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Rahu – an Asura who does his best to plunge any area of one’s life he controls into chaos. Astrology: Since Rahu and Ketu are two opposite lunar nodes, they always appear in diametrically opposite houses in horoscopes. Both nodes are always in retrograde motion. In Hindu astrology, Rahu represents materialism, mischief, fear, dissatisfaction, obsession and confusion. Rahu is also associated with politicians and occult sciences. Like Ketu, Rahu is also an enemy against the sun and moon. It is generally considered as a malefic planet in astrology. Jyotisha is Hindu astrology, which entails the concepts of Nakshatra , Navagraha, and Saptarishi (included in the list of Hindu deities whose dedicated temples are found at various Hindu pilgrimage sites to which Hindus take yatra).