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Rahu and Ketu (the shadow grahas)
A traditional shanti puja for Rahu and Ketu, the two shadow grahas, performed with their beej mantras and worship of Durga, Bhairav and Ganesha to seek clarity and calm.
Overview
Rahu and Ketu are the lunar nodes, points in the sky rather than physical planets, and are known in Jyotish as chhaya grahas, or shadow planets. They are traditionally linked with ambition, desire and restlessness (Rahu) and detachment, introspection and spiritual inclination (Ketu). Because they always sit opposite each other, their shanti is often performed together.
The puja usually includes Ganesh puja, sankalp, Navagraha invocation and focused worship of Rahu and Ketu, followed by their beej mantras. The Rahu mantra 'Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah' is commonly recited 18,000 times and the Ketu mantra 'Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah' 17,000 times for a full anushthan, though shorter counts are frequently chosen.
Rahu is traditionally worshipped alongside Goddess Durga and Bhairav, and Ketu alongside Lord Ganesha. In Varanasi, where Kaal Bhairav is revered as the city's guardian, many families like to include a Bhairav darshan or prayer. Your Pandit will follow your family's tradition.
ब्रह्मा मुरारिस्त्रिपुरान्तकारी भानुः शशी भूमिसुतो बुधश्च।
गुरुश्च शुक्रः शनिराहुकेतवः सर्वे ग्रहाः शान्तिकरा भवन्तु॥
Brahmā murāris tripurāntakārī bhānuḥ śaśī bhūmisuto budhaś ca, guruś ca śukraḥ śani rāhu ketavaḥ sarve grahāḥ śāntikarā bhavantu.
In the Puranic story of the churning of the ocean, the asura Svarbhanu drank amrit in disguise and was divided by Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra into Rahu, the head, and Ketu, the body. Tradition holds them responsible for eclipses, and both were granted a place among the Navagraha.
Devotees associate Rahu Ketu Shanti with a clearer mind during confusing phases, and with seeking balance between worldly ambition and inner peace. It is commonly considered during Rahu or Ketu mahadasha and antardasha, or when a Pandit or astrologer suggests it after reading the chart.
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
The Pandit performs achaman and pavitrikaran, then worships Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally connected with Ketu.
A sankalp is taken with your name, gotra, birth details if shared, and intention.
A kalash is established and the nine grahas are invoked, with Rahu and Ketu given special focus.
Rahu is worshipped with dark blue or smoky cloth, urad and durva, along with a prayer to Goddess Durga or Bhairav.
Ketu is worshipped with multicoloured or grey cloth, horse gram (kulthi) and kusha grass.
The Rahu and Ketu mantras are recited for the agreed count, commonly 18,000 and 17,000 respectively for a full anushthan.
A homam may be performed with durva for Rahu and kusha for Ketu, as traditionally prescribed.
The puja ends with aarti, prasad and daan such as urad, blankets or sesame as per the family's custom.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
Usually included
Not included
Duration: 2 to 3 hours for puja with a short jaap; 2 to 6 days for full Rahu and Ketu jaap depending on the number of Pandits. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
More cities are coming soon.
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
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Not necessarily, the puja can be performed with your name and gotra. If you would like to know how Rahu and Ketu sit in your own chart, we recommend speaking with a qualified astrologer or booking a kundali consultation.
They are related but different. Rahu Ketu Shanti focuses on the two grahas generally, while Kaal Sarp puja is performed for a specific planetary arrangement. The Pandit can advise which suits your situation.
Saturdays are commonly associated with Rahu and Tuesdays with Ketu. Amavasya and eclipse-related days are also chosen as per family custom; the Pandit will suggest a muhurat.
A puja with a short jaap takes about 2 to 3 hours. A full anushthan with 18,000 Rahu and 17,000 Ketu mantras can take several days depending on the number of Pandits.
It depends on the vidhi, jaap count, number of Pandits and samagri. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
Yes. The sankalp can be taken in their name and you can join the ritual via live video from anywhere.
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Recitation of the 700 verses of the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana, traditionally chanted during Navratri and in times of difficulty.
Worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.
