Interviewer:
Gurudev, I bow to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you.
Interviewer:
Through our YouTube channel, "Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khyapa," we have been learning from you about the relationship between each of the Dashamahavidyas (Ten Mahavidyas) and the various planets. Today, we would like to hear about the planet Rahu.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Rahu is a planet that even the gods fear. There is a specific reason for this. According to our Puranas—setting science aside for a moment—it is said that when Rahu touches the Sun, a solar eclipse occurs, and when it touches the Moon, a lunar eclipse occurs. This is the Puranic perspective. Science, of course, has discovered other explanations, such as the Earth's shadow, but we are looking beyond science here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I cannot say how authentic this is, but Rahu is a planet whose head is severed. Similarly, Maa Chhinnamasta is a goddess whose head is severed. Maa Chhinnamasta is depicted drinking her own blood, holding her severed head in her hand. Rahu, too, is beheaded; he cannot digest anything. Even if he swallows the Sun during an eclipse, it eventually comes back out from his severed neck. The same happens with the Moon.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Rahu is considered a mischievous planet, and Ketu is associated with him. They move in a cyclic manner. If Rahu acts in one way, Ketu follows suit, and vice versa. They exchange glances in this way. I have already spoken about Ketu; today, I am discussing Rahu.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Rahu understands nothing but blood. Maa Chhinnamasta also desires blood—she drinks her own blood. She has three nerves: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. Dakini and Varnini drink from the Ida and Pingala, while she herself drinks the blood flowing from the main Sushumna nerve. She doesn't give that to anyone else.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Similarly, Rahu understands nothing but blood. Rahu worships Maa Chhinnamasta. To appease her, he performs various rituals and penance. Just as we worship Chhinnamasta, they do too. They perform kriyas (spiritual actions). Every planet has to perform kriyas, and even God performs kriyas. You might think God doesn't need to, but everyone is busy with kriyas. Just as humanity performs rituals and worship, so do the planets and the gods.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If Rahu is displeased or associated with a malefic planet, it affects one's horoscope. This can only be understood through a birth chart. If Rahu aspects Mars or Jupiter, it can lead to "Guru Chandal Dosha." If Rahu aspects the Moon in a chart, it creates a "lunar eclipse" in that person's life. If it aspects the Sun, it creates a "solar eclipse" in the body.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Specifically, if Rahu and Jupiter are in the same house, we call it "Guru Chandal Dosha." If Rahu is associated with Mars, it leads to disastrous situations—horrific accidents and inevitable bloodshed. Nobody can stop it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
An eclipse-like state occurs when Rahu is linked with the Moon. Do you know where this "eclipse defect" can be remedied? Only in Puri, where the "Shwetganga" is located. Lord Jagannath bathes in those waters every full moon. He doesn't go to the ocean; his bathing pond is Shwetganga. The water there is exceptionally sacred and is even used during Durga Puja. Since Jagannath bathes there, anyone who bathes in that water can be freed from the "Grahan Dosha" (eclipse defect).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Rahu's aspect on the Sun and Moon—which are present within the human body—causes these eclipse effects, and humans have to suffer the consequences. During an eclipse, we refrain from eating or performing certain tasks. Similarly, during a "Rahu-dasha," a person struggles to succeed in anything they attempt. Obstacles arise at every step.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When people come to us, we suggest wearing lead (sisa), as lead acts as an "anti" to Rahu. Otherwise, there is another remedy: go to a "Moshan"—a place where sacrifices are regularly made to Maa Chhinnamasta, Tara, or Kali. I am speaking to you from a Shhmashana (crematorium), but a Moshan is where goats or buffaloes are sacrificed daily.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
One must go to the sacrificial block (Hadi Kath) at a Moshan. Take three bael leaves (bel pata), sit before the block, and draw a little blood from your own body—anywhere will do. Place three drops of your blood on the three leaves and offer them on the sacrificial block, saying, "I have given you my blood. You crave blood, so I have offered mine. Now, grant me well-being."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The soil at these sacrificial sites has a very strong, pungent smell because of the blood. We sometimes advise people with incurable diseases to bathe with water mixed with this soil. It makes the person "Nirogh" (disease-free). However, the smell is so strong that many cannot tolerate it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Another remedy involves the sacrificial sword (khara). If one bathes with the water used to wash the blood off that sword, many incurable diseases can be cured. We perform these rituals at Kalighat, Tarapith, Kamakhya, or Chhinnamasta.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is the primary remedy for Rahu. When Rahu is with Mars or other planets, we expect bloodshed. When with Jupiter (Deb-Guru), it creates "Guru Chandal Dosha," which is very inauspicious. No good work succeeds under its influence.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This must be checked in the birth chart. If Rahu is in the ascendant (Lagna) or aspects it, the person is said to be "Rahu-afflicted." It is best not to associate too closely with such people. We often think of planets as celestial bodies, but a person can also act as a planet. For instance, someone with Jupiter in their ascendant can pull you up and help you succeed. Conversely, someone afflicted by Rahu or Ketu can ruin you with bad advice and ill intentions.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, choose your companions carefully. For Rahu, wear lead in a black thread around your waist. Bathe with the water from a sacrificial sword or soil from a sacrificial site. Offer your blood on a bael leaf at the sacrificial block while bowing to Maa Chhinnamasta.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These rituals appease Maa Chhinnamasta. She is a goddess whose worship can end a lineage if not done correctly. Wherever she is worshipped, complications often arise. I've heard of her worship in a few places in Kolkata, but ultimately, the rituals weren't sustained, and trouble followed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is all I have to say about Rahu.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I bow to you. Friends, you were listening to Gurudev on our YouTube channel, "Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khyapa." In his various episodes, he is explaining the Ten Mahavidyas and their relationship with the planets. We will hear about the remaining planets in future episodes. We request you to subscribe to our channel and like and share these videos. I bow to you, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you.