🔮 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)

  1. Sankalpa
    • Take a vow to perform the puja for relief from planetary afflictions.
  2. Kalasha Sthapana
    • Set up a copper pot with coconut and mango leaves, invoking Navagrahas.
  3. Navagraha Puja
    • Offer prayers and flowers to Surya, Chandra, and all other planets.
    • Special focus on Rahu and Ketu.
  4. Offerings to Rahu
    • Black sesame, mustard oil, blue flowers, lemon
    • Chant Rahu mantra:

“Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah”

  1. Offerings to Ketu
    • Ash gourd, grey flowers, rice
    • Chant Ketu mantra:

“Om Sram Sreem Sroum Sah Ketave Namah”

  1. Lemon/Chilli Ritual (optional)
    • Some rituals involve cutting lemons/chillies to absorb negative energies.
  2. Aarti and Prarthana
    • Perform aarti to Rahu and Ketu and pray for removal of doshas.
  3. 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