Rahukaalam

Rahukaalam or Rahu kaala or Raukaala (also spelled as Rahukal or Raahu kala or Raahu kaala or Rahu kalam) or the period of Rahu is a certain amount of time every day that is considered inauspicious for any new venture according to Indian astrology (Vedic). In Hindu mythology, Rahu Kaala is one of the 8 segments of the day and considered inauspicious period in Indian astrology due to its associated with malefic, Rahu . The segments are calculated by taking the total time between sunrise and sunset, at a given place, and then dividing this time duration by 8. Astronomically in the Hindu Panchangas, the ever varying planetary configurations mean that the auspicious hours during each day will not always fall at the same moment of time. Rahukaalam (Raahukaala), Yamagandakaala (Yama Ghantam) and Vishaghati are the time periods which are especially considered inauspicious or unlucky (Ashub). The planets according to Indian astronomers were the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Rahukaalam (Raahukaala) and Gulikaalalam (Gulikakaala) are calculated based on these planets. Even though Rahu and Ketu are not physical bodies, they are sensitive points on the intersection of the ecliptic (the apparent path of motion of the Sun) by the Moon's orbit. Rahu is the northern point and Ketu is the southern point. Ancient astronomers felt that the mighty Rahu and Ketu have the strength to eat the sun, thus causing a solar eclipse. Hence it is considered inauspicious to begin any undertaking during this "Rahukaalam" or "Rahukala". Every day this Rahukaalam (Raahukaala) lasts for around 90 minutes, but the duration differs according to the length of the time between sunrise to sunset. To calculate Rahukaalam (Raahukaala), the time between the sunrise and sunset is divided into 8 units or time-groups, which time-group will have the Rahukaalam (Raahukaala) depends on the weekday.

For each weekday, Rahukaalam (Raahukaala) falls as under: Sunday - 8th Muhurtha (Unit) Monday - 2nd Muhurtha Tuesday - 7th Muhurtha Wednesday - 5th Muhurtha Thursday - 6th Muhurtha Friday - 4th Muhurtha Saturday - 3rd Muhurtha How to remember Rahukaalam (Raahukaala)[edit] The timespan of Rahukaalam (Raahukaala) varies each day and needs to be calculated as per the sunrise and sunset time. The times below can be used in absence of access to accurate Rahukaal. These times are accurate only if the daylight lasts for 12 hours, and the sunrise is at 6.00 AM. For longer or shorter days, the times need to be adjusted. The mnemonic phrase is "7.30am Mother Saw Father Wearing The Turban Surely" Mother = Monday (7.30 AM-9.00) Saw = Saturday (9.00-10.30) Father = Friday (10.30-12.00) Wearing = Wednesday (12.00-13.30) The = Thursday (13.30-15.00) Turban = Tuesday (15.00-16.30) Surely = Sunday (16.30-18.00 PM)