Rahu Kaal Today: Timing, Meaning, and Why It’s Inauspicious

Understanding Rahu Kaal: The Inauspicious Period in Vedic Astrology

In the world of Vedic astrology (Jyotiṣa), time is divided into auspicious and inauspicious intervals.¹ One of the most important periods to be mindful of is Rahu Kaal (or Rahu Kalam), which translates to the ‘period of Rahu’.² This specific time span is universally considered inauspicious for starting any new venture or auspicious ceremony.

This guide explores the true meaning of Rahu Kaal, explains the logic behind its timing, and shows you how to easily calculate it for your location.

Rahu Kaal Meaning: The Shadow Planet’s Influence

The period gets its name from Rahu, which is one of the two shadow planets (along with Ketu) in Hindu astrology. Rahu has no physical existence but is a mathematically calculated intersection point (the North Lunar Node) that holds immense astrological influence.

• The Mythology: Rahu is associated with the Asura Svarbhanu, who consumed the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Lord Vishnu severed his head, but because he had drunk the nectar, the head became immortal and was named Rahu. This moment is symbolically linked to the inauspicious nature of the time.
• The Astrological Effect: Rahu is considered a malefic (unfavorable) planet, associated with confusion, illusion, and obstacles. It is believed that during Rahu Kaal, the planet’s energy overshadows the human mind, leading to clouded judgment and potential failure or obstacles in anything new that is initiated.

Rahu Kaal Timing: How to Calculate Rahu Kaal Daily

The key to understanding Rahu Kaal is knowing that its duration is not fixed by the clock but is determined by the local sunrise and sunset times.

1. Divide the Day: The time between your local sunrise and sunset is divided into eight equal segments (or Yaamas).
2. Duration: Since the daylight hours vary, the length of each segment also varies. For a standard 12-hour day (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), each segment is 90 minutes long.
3. Assignment: Rahu Kaal falls on a specific segment each day of the week, ensuring that it never falls in the first segment (which is always considered auspicious).

Standard Rahu Kaal Schedule (Based on a 6 AM Sunrise)

Note: Always check a local Panchang or an online Rahu Kaal calculator for the Rahu Kaal Today for your exact location and date, as the times change with seasonal sunrise/sunset variations.