In Hindu mythology, Rahu is a snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. Rahu is one of the navagrahas(nine planets) in Vedic astrology. The Rahu kala (time of day under the influence of Rahu) is considered inauspicious.

According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar. But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu) cut off his head. The head, however, remained immortal. It is believed that this immortal head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses. Then, the sun or moon passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.

Astronomically (as per Hindu Astrology), Rahu andKetu denote the two points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move around thecelestial sphere. Therefore, Rahu and Ketu are respectively called the north and the south lunar nodes. The fact that eclipses occur when Sun and Moon are at one of these points gives rise to the myth of the swallowing of the Sun.

Rahu is a legendary master of deception who signifies cheaters, pleasure seekers, operators in foreign lands, drug dealers, poison dealers, insincere & immoral acts, etc. It is the significator of an irreligious person, an outcast, harsh speech, logical fallacy, falsehoods, uncleanliness, abdominal ulcers, bones, and transmigration. Rahu is instrumental in strengthening one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend. In Buddhism Rahu is one of thekrodhadevatas (terror-inspiring gods).

Rahu is a Nodal planet. It does not own any sign in the natural zodiac. However, it acts as an agent for the owner of the sign in which it is places and also as an agent for the overlord of the star in which it is placed. Rahu when placed in a fiery signs would render a fierce nature and will exploit all subjects with an aggressive thirst of quest. Often, Rahu is extroverted, affirming, and ambitious. Rahu's transits show where someone is likely to expand, try new things and disperse their energy into materialistic pursuits.

Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets and have the powers of saturn and mars respectively. The proper worship of both the planets blesses all those who suffer from sudden illness, loss of money and delay in marriage. Also those running Rahu dasha or Sub-period.Rahu is instrumental is strenthening one's power and converting an enemy into a friend. The effect of snake bite is removed by His grace.

Rahu Puja or the Dragon's Head Worship is dedicated to planet Rahu. Grah Shanti Rahu Pooja is recommended for those, having malefic Rahu or wrongly placed Rahu as per the horoscope. Here is list of things associated with Rahu (Dragon's Head).

Rahu - Its Significance

Dragon's head or Rahu is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire. Rahu is associated with the spiritual process of involution, or the engrossing of spirit in materialization. Rahu is an indicator of worldly desire, fame, greed, high intelligence, manipulation, obsessive behavior, foreigners, mass disease, dementia and inertia. Rahu is believed to strengthen one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend.