What is Rahu?
According to Vedic culture and astrology, Rahu and Ketu are considered to be Chaya Grahas (shadow planets). Rahu is the Northern lunar node, while Ketu is the Southern lunar node. These nodes were one entity known as Svarbhanu, who was one of the Asuras (supernatural beings possessing destructive powers) with serpentine powers. During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the Amrit (eternal nectar) was found that could bestow immortality to the one who drank it. The Devas (supernatural beings possessing divine powers) had full control over the Amrit. They began consuming it from the hands of Vishnu, who had disguised himself as Mohini (a divine damsel).
However, soon Svarbhanu found out about this. He wanted to taste the nectar and become immortal. He disguised himself and sat among the Devas to taste the nectar, but he was caught by the Sun and the Moon, who exposed his disguise to Vishnu, who immediately came back to his original form from Mohini, and using his discus slayed Svarbhanu into two pieces. The head became Rahu, and from torso to feet became Ketu. Rahu and Ketu vowed that they would eclipse the Sun and the Moon since they revealed this forgery to the world.
While these two Grahas are considered natural malefics, they did drink the Amrit and became divine as well. Hence, their nature purely depends upon the planet that they are placed with. They will behave as per that planet in conjunction or the lord of the house, the nakshatra where they are placed or according to the planet which aspects them. They draw their energy and behave as per the planet that influences them. Rahu represents our desires and attachment, and Ketu represents detachment and Moksh (liberation). Both these planets are indicators of pending Karma, our unfulfilled desires, but also the knowledge that we lack to attain Moksh.
What is Rahu Kalam?
In Vedic astrology, the seven planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) are allotted a specific day of the week. However, the nodal planets (Rahu and Ketu) have no such allocation. They have, however, been granted the power to rule for one and a half hours every day of the week, which is known as Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam (Ketu in South Node).
During Rahu Kalam, Rahu’s energy is maximum during this period. Unless Rahu is receiving a benefic aspect in one’s horoscope, it may cause struggles and disappointment. Rahu Kalam also depends on the sunrise and sunset timings in a place or a location.
Rahu Kalam takes place every day, and the duration of this period is approximately one and a half hours. Hence, it is deemed safe to avoid the Rahu Kalam and not start any new venture or conduct any auspicious event during this period.
What is Yamagandam?
Yamagandam means the time of Yama, the son of Planet Sun (Yam or Yamraj - the Lord who is responsible for carrying the Soul (Atma) to its deserving place upon the death of a person). Any activity that starts in this period generally does not give a successful outcome. Only death rituals and ceremonies are carried out during this period. It is important not to start any event or anything related to money or travel during this time. Yamagandam is calculated by dividing the day hours into eight parts, with each day having a period of approximately one-and-a-half-hour duration.
What is Gulika Kalam?
Gulika Kalam occurs for a duration of approximately one and a half hours each day. Gukila Kalam is the hour of Gulikan, the son of Saturn (Shani). This is the time ruled by Saturn and should be avoided as it is generally considered inauspicious. Any activity done in Gulika Kalam repeats itself. So, it is essential to avoid rituals like death-related rites.
Wednesday - Rahukalam and Yamagandam Timings
Wednesday is the day of Mercury. Before conducting any auspicious event or initiating any new venture on this day, it is advisable to check the Rahu Kalam timing for the day as it could prove fruitful or detrimental in terms of the outcome.
The Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam timings are considered inauspicious. If you are looking for success, it is better to refrain from starting anything new during this period. For checking the Rahu Kalam timings on a daily basis, people refer to the daily Panchang or the Choghadia (hours of the day divided into auspicious parts – Shubh, Labh, Char, Amrit, and inauspicious parts – Kaal, Rog, and Udveg).
What is Nalla Neram?
The Nalla Neram is very popularly used in South India to determine the most auspicious hour to conduct an important task or an auspicious event. Nalla Neram is considered for activities that include purchasing homes, new vehicles, Griha Pravesh, and marriage, among others.
The Nalla Neram is derived from the Gowri Panchangam, a Tamil Panchangam used to calculate the auspicious time and date for a Shubha Muhurtam. A Gowri Panchangam is divided into two parts –for the day and night.
The time between sunrise and sunset comprises the Day Gowri Panchangam, while the time between sunset to the next sunrise is called Night Gowri Panchangam. The Gowri Panchangam divides the day and night into eight equal parts.
The Nalla Neram indicates the favorable periods that are Amritha, Uthi, Laabam, Sugam, and Dhanam that comprise the good periods in the Gowri Panchangam. Visham, Rogam, and Soram indicate the bad periods in the Gowri Panchangam.
Remedial Measures for Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulika Kalam
The best method to carry out any auspicious task or venture into anything new is by avoiding the Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, and Gulika Kalam for the day. However, one can carry on with normal activities throughout the day.
Sometimes, there arises a situation of performing an important task that cannot be avoided even during the Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, and Gulika Kalam. In such emergencies, one can keep aside some money, or offer a prayer to the Kul Devta, before initiating a task or venturing on a journey.
For those who are unaware of their Kul Devta, the Ganesha Mantras, and the Hanuman Chalisa can be chanted. Hanuman and Ganesha both have special powers (Siddhis) that can overcome the undesirable effects of Rahu, Yama, or Gulika. Chanting the Mantras gives an individual the courage to face challenges undeterred. By praying to Ganesha and Hanuman, one can overcome any obstacle.
One can offer panchamritam and jaggery to Hanuman. The prasadam should be consumed before commencing the task.
