In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), a wicked "planet" that has no analogue in Western astrology and was formerly the head of a demon.
According to legend, when the gods are drinking the nectar
of immortality that they had churned from the ocean of milk, 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.
However, after coming into touch with the nectar,
Sainhikeya's two parts become eternal.
Rahu is born from the severed head, while Ketu is born from
the beheaded body.
Rahu is the ascending node of the moon, rather than an
actual planet.
This is the point in the sky when the moon's northward route
crosses with the sun's path, resulting in an eclipse.
Rahu has a special dislike for the sun and moon, whom he
blames for his death, and wants to devour them anytime he sees them in the sky.
He always succeeds, but they escape unhurt through Rahu's
severed neck since he no longer has a body to digest them.
The traditional reason for solar and lunar eclipses is that
they are associated with the wicked Rahu, which has led to eclipses being
regarded as particularly unfavorable events.
Also see Tortoise avatar.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
