It represents the obsession and ambitions of the native that were not realized in their previous life and to achieve which they have taken their present birth.

Rahu is a planet that breaks taboos. It is a feminine planet that rules 3 Nakshatras or stars – Ardra, Swati, and Shatabisha. It signifies the paternal grandfather, expansion, and illusions. It has foreign connections and is associated with foreign travel and settlement. It is malefic and can cause disastrous effects on a person’s life.

Though Rahu in astrology can bring expansion and prosperity, its energy can become excessive at times. Unless it is regulated, untoward things may happen. Rahu is never satisfied. It is the child of Maya (illusion). It is immoral and deceitful. It can make a person commit crimes and break the law resulting in imprisonment. It is a trigger for brutality, sadism, sexual offenses, and ruthlessness. The native has to pay a heavy price for it eventually. Misuse of one’s position and authority, excessive materialism, etc., can be the results of an over-aggressive Rahu. Power games and exaggerated self-importance are also likely.

Rahu’s lower energy makes the native build castles in the air. They will inhabit an unreal world, and develop addictions and suicidal tendencies.

Like the other deities and Navagrahas, Rahu in astrology can be appeased with certain offerings and sincere prayers. As he controls human destiny, such offerings and prayers can negate his adverse effects and boost his positive effects. Let us see what are the offerings people make to invoke Rahu’s blessings.

How to Make Offerings to Rahu

 A very common ritual for making offerings to Rahu includes keeping some leaves on a plate in front of the deity. This is done as part of a Pooja ceremony for other deities as well. Following this, one can offer food items like fruits, sweets, rice, and flowers. Incense sticks and camphor are also offered during the ritual. End the ritual with a prayer praising Rahu and seeking his blessings for success and good fortune.

Traditional Offerings to Rahu

 Some traditional items are very pleasing to Rahu. They include black urad dal, black sesame seeds, kala til (sesame seeds), milk, jaggery, and coconut water. One should offer these items while chanting Mantras dedicated to Rahu. This ensures that your offering has more power. It will increase the chances of Rahu granting your wishes.

Gemstones for Rahu

 The gemstone related to Rahu is hessonite garnet. It can attract prosperity and luck into your life when it is offered to the deity. Before offering the hessonite garnet, purify it by immersing it in water that is mixed with holy ash. Immerse it for at least three hours. Then dry it well before using it in rituals or Pooja ceremonies. Also, once you keep the gemstone on the plate before the deity, do not touch it until the Pooja is complete and all offerings have been removed from the Pooja area.

Conclusion

 Offering items to deities like Rahu is an important custom in Hindu culture and religion. Offerings form the cornerstone of all religious practices. People make offerings to God to show respect for them and to express our hospitality. We also give things to the Gods to promote reciprocity (so that the Gods also give us things in return). It is an honest exchange – we give so that God gives so that we can give again. Our ancestors, too, have made offerings. Obviously, they felt it was beneficial to them. We, their descendants, are merely following their example. But most importantly, we make offerings because we want to express our devotion to them. We want them to enjoy what we can give, even if it’s something insignificant.

When we offer things that deities like, they give us their blessings. We need their blessings for happiness, success, and prosperity. But make sure that you offer everything with love, gratitude, and devotion.