According to Indian mythology, Rahu represents the head of a demon. Rahu is responsible for Solar Eclipse. When Rahu, Sun and Moon are in the same zodiacal longitude Solar Eclipse takes place. He is a 'shudra graha', hence people influenced by Rahu behave like illiterate and uncultured people. It rules over thieves, witches, magicians, poison, snakes etc.

Rahu has a smoky appearance with a blue mixed physique. He resides in forests and is horrible. He is vata in temperament and is intelligent. Rahu is depicted in black clothes, who holds a sword, a shield, and a trident in his three hands, respectively. His fourth hand is raised in a gesture of blessing. He sits on a lion. Rahu's chariot, which is pulled by eight black horses, is represented as a form of darkness itself. Rahu is considered the deity of the shadow (Chhaya) of the Earth. He covers the Earth with this shadow during eclipses to such a degree that people on Earth get confused by the darkness he creates. While Rahu has no body like the other planets, and is the point where the Sun and Moon's orbits cross each other, Rahu can be seen by the shadow he creates.

Rahu is friendly towards Saturn, Mercury and Venus and neutral towards Mars and Jupiter. He is the enemy of Sun and Moon. For Rahu related problems worship lord Bhairava or lord Shiva, recite the Rahu stotra, fast on Saturdays and wear an 8 mukhi Rudraksha.All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.