Rahukaalam

Rahukaalam (transl. 'the time or period of the Rahu'), or simply Rahu Kaal, refers to an inauspicious time span every day which is not considered favourable to start a new activity. In Hindu astrology, it covers a span of 90 minutes every day between sunrise and sunset. It is considered important in southern India and is strictly avoided while calculating muhurtas. However, routine tasks which have already been started can continue as usual during this period.[1] Rahukaalam falling on a Tuesday is said to provide immense benefits and protection for those whom worship the goddess Durga.

Background
Main articles: Rahu and Ketu (mythology)

Rahu is a shadow planet and king of meteors among nine mythological planets (navagraha) mentioned in Hindu texts.[2] In mythological texts, an Asura named Svarbhanu disguised as a Deva during Samudra Manthan to get amrita from Mohini and was cut into Rahu and Ketu by Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Rahu is considered a malefic planet which tries to eclipse the sun, and the time it is believed to influence is considered inauspicious.[3]

Calculations

Rahu Kaal is considered in a predefined manner during set times on the different days of the week, but can vary as per the sun rise timing as well. Its instances vary from place to place.[1] The timing of sunrise is marked in the panchang (almanac) and 12 hours of the day is divided into eight equal parts (say 06:00 a.m. IST to 6:00 p.m. IST). Rahu Kaal does not occur in the first part of the day and the rest of the seven parts are attributed to other different parts of the day.[1] Contemporarily:

  • Monday: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. (2nd part)
  • Tuesday: 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (7th part)
  • Wednesday: 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. (5th part)
  • Thursday: 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (6th part)
  • Friday: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (4th part)
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (3rd part)
  • Sunday: 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (8th part)

See also

References
  1. Narayanam, A. Sathya (14 December 2017). "What is Rahu Kaal and Timing of Rahu Kaal Every Day". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  2. Dalal, Roshen (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books. pp. 280, 324. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
  3. Kramrisch, Stella; Burnier, Raymond (1976). The Hindu temple. 2. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. pp. 325–6. ISBN 978-81-208-0224-7.
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