🔮 Who are Rahu and Ketu?
- Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets (Chhaya Grahas) in Vedic astrology, representing the north and south lunar nodes.
- Rahu signifies materialism, obsession, illusions, while Ketu represents spirituality, detachment, past-life karma.
- When afflicted in one’s horoscope, they can cause Kaal Sarp Dosha, delays, confusion, setbacks, fears, and obstacles in career, marriage, and health.
📌 Purpose of Rahu-Ketu Puja
- To nullify ill effects of Rahu and Ketu in one’s horoscope.
- For relief from Kaal Sarpa Dosha, Pitru Dosha, black magic, mental disturbances, and chronic illness.
- Ensures peace of mind, spiritual awakening, and success in material and personal life.
📆 Auspicious Days for the Puja
- Amavasya (New Moon)
- Saturdays and Tuesdays
- Rahu Kalam period (in each day)
- During eclipses, or specific transits
- Especially at Sri Kalahasti Temple (Andhra Pradesh), famous for Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivarana Puja.
🛕 Where to Perform the Puja
- Sri Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Navagraha Temples (in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha)
- Home, under guidance of a priest or during Navagraha Homa
🪔 Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Black sesame seeds, mustard oil, lemons
- Blue/grey flowers, coconut, incense, camphor
- Navagraha photo or idols, honey, ghee, rice
- Ash gourd or pumpkin (in some rituals)
- Black cloth, iron items (like a nail or ring)
🕉️ Rahu-Ketu Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
- Sankalpa
- Take a vow to perform the puja for relief from planetary afflictions.
- Kalasha Sthapana
- Set up a copper pot with coconut and mango leaves, invoking Navagrahas.
- Navagraha Puja
- Offer prayers and flowers to Surya, Chandra, and all other planets.
- Special focus on Rahu and Ketu.
- Offerings to Rahu
- Black sesame, mustard oil, blue flowers, lemon
- Chant Rahu mantra:
“Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah”
- Offerings to Ketu
- Ash gourd, grey flowers, rice
- Chant Ketu mantra:
“Om Sram Sreem Sroum Sah Ketave Namah”
- Lemon/Chilli Ritual (optional)
- Some rituals involve cutting lemons/chillies to absorb negative energies.
- Aarti and Prarthana
- Perform aarti to Rahu and Ketu and pray for removal of doshas.
- Tarpana or Donation
- Donate black cloth, sesame, iron, or food to Brahmins or the poor.
📿 Powerful Mantras
Rahu Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Naakadhwajaaya Vidmahe Padma Hastaaya Dheemahi Tanno Raahu Prachodayaat”
Ketu Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Chitra Varnaya Vidmahe Sarpa Roopaaya Dheemahi Tanno Ketu Prachodayaat”
🌟 Benefits of Rahu-Ketu Puja
- Pacifies malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu
- Provides mental clarity, removes delusion and fear
- Protects from black magic, enemies, and accidents
- Aids in career growth, marital harmony, and spiritual evolution