राहु काल
Inauspicious period ruled by Rahu, avoid starting new ventures
18 మే · UJJAIN, INDIA
3:42 – 5:22 PM
Duration · 100 minutes
Ruling deity
Rahu
Governing dosha
Vata (wind)
Occurs
Varies by weekday
Frequency
Every day
Rahu Kaal, also spelled as Rahu Kalam or Rahu Kal, is an inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes that occurs every day. Named after the shadow planet Rahu in Vedic astrology, this time is considered unfavorable for initiating new activities, ventures, or important tasks.
Rahu is one of the nine celestial bodies (Navagrahas) in Hindu astrology and represents the ascending lunar node. While not a physical planet, Rahu is believed to have powerful influences on human affairs. The time under Rahu's influence is thought to bring obstacles, delays, and unexpected challenges to new beginnings.
However, it's important to note that Rahu Kaal is not a time to avoid all activities — only the initiation of new endeavours. Ongoing work, routine activities, and spiritual practices can continue without concern.
Continue ongoing work
Tasks already in progress are unaffected — Rahu Kaal only discourages new starts.
Perform Rahu remedies
Worshipping Rahu with blue flowers and his mantra is actually strengthened now.
Rest, plan, and introspect
Use the window for quiet reflection, strategy, or catching up on reading.
Routine daily activities
Cooking, cleaning, and ordinary errands continue without concern.
Starting new businesses
Do not inaugurate or formally launch any enterprise during Rahu Kaal.
Beginning travel
Departing on a new journey — especially for important purposes — is traditionally avoided.
Signing contracts
Agreements entered now may carry hidden complications or disputes later.
Marriage & auspicious ceremonies
Never schedule samskars or auspicious events during this window.
Planning
Strategic review and preparation for future action.
Meditation
Spiritual practice and Rahu remedial worship.
Routine study
Continuing existing coursework, not beginning new subjects.
Rest
Light rest or recuperation without beginning anything new.
To pacify Rahu's influence, offer blue flowers or durva grass, burn blue or black incense, and chant the Rahu Beej mantra 18 or 108 times facing south-west.
ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रौं सः राहवे नमः
Om bhrāṃ bhrīṃ bhrauṃ saḥ rāhave namaḥ
Salutations to Rahu — I honour the shadow planet and seek release from its malefic influence.
Rahu Kaal is calculated by dividing the time between sunrise and sunset into 8 equal parts. The period varies by day of the week: Monday (2nd period), Tuesday (7th), Wednesday (5th), Thursday (6th), Friday (4th), Saturday (3rd), Sunday (8th).
Is Rahu Kaal dangerous or just unlucky?
It is not dangerous in the sense of causing immediate harm. It simply represents a window when initiating new things carries higher risk of obstacles, delays, or unexpected complications.
What if an emergency forces me to act during Rahu Kaal?
Emergencies are exceptions. If a situation requires immediate action, proceed — Vedic timing guidance applies to planned, deliberate beginnings, not urgent necessity.
Why does Rahu Kaal vary by day of the week?
Each day of the week is governed by a planet. Rahu's malefic influence falls on a different segment depending on the day's ruler — this is why the period shifts daily.
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Swiss Ephemeris Precision
Muhurat timings calculated using Swiss Ephemeris for astronomically accurate planetary positions.
Classical Vedic Principles
Day and night are each divided into 15 muhurtas from the actual sunrise and sunset at your location, following traditional muhurta texts.
Multiple Systems
Choghadiya, Hora, and Gowri Panchangam calculated using time-tested Vedic methodologies.
Swiss Ephemeris • Lahiri ayanamsa • Calculated for your location • Checked against a leading published panchang
Calculated by the Vedic Tithi engine using Swiss Ephemeris and Lahiri ayanamsa for your location. Our automated tests compare these timings with a leading published panchang for New Delhi, New York and Vancouver. If you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.
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