In Hindu astrology
(jyotisha), a wicked "planet" that was once the body of a demon.
The gods and demons join forces to churn the ocean of milk
in order to gain the nectar of immortality, according to legend.
The gods are successful in defrauding the demons of their
part.
While the gods sip the nectar, the demon Sainhikeya
disguises himself and enters their midst.
The sun and moon alert Vishnu, who uses his discus to chop
off the demon's head as the monster starts to drink.
Since coming into touch with the nectar, Sainhikeya's two
parts have become eternal.
The dismembered body transforms into Ketu, while the severed
head transforms into Rahu, another terrible planet.
Ketu is not an actual planet, but rather the moon's
descending node, or the point where it meets the ecliptic as it moves
southward.
Ketu is also linked to comets and blazing meteors, both of
which are seen to be bad omens.
Avatar of the Tortoise may be found here.
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