Rahu Stotram: Benefits, Meaning, and Recitation

Sanskrit / Hindi	Translation	Meaning
राहुर्दानव मन्त्री च सिंहिकाचित्तनन्दनः । अर्धकायः सदाक्रोधी चन्द्रादित्यविमर्दनः ॥ १ ॥	Rahurdanava mantri ca simhikacittanandanaḥ Ardhakayah sadakrodhi candraadityavimardanaḥ || 1 ||	In this verse, the qualities and attributes of Rahu, a celestial entity in Vedic astrology, are described. Rahu is portrayed as a minister of demons, a source of delight for Singhika (a demoness), and is known for being only half-bodied. Rahu is also associated with perpetual anger and is believed to influence eclipses by overpowering the sun and moon.
रौद्रो रुद्रप्रियो दैत्यः स्वर्भानुर्भानुमीतिदः । ग्रहराजः सुधापायी राकातिथ्यभिलाषुकः ॥ २ ॥	Raudro rudrapriyo daityah svarbhanurbhanumitidaḥ Graharajah sudhapayi rakatithyabhilashukaḥ || 2 ||	Here, Rahu is further characterized as being favored by Rudra (a form of Lord Shiva), a demon, and self-illuminating. Rahu is referred to as the king of planets and is said to consume the elixir of immortality (nectar). Rahu’s nature is such that it desires to cause eclipses, particularly the eclipse of the moon.
कालदृष्टिः कालरुपः श्रीकष्ठह्रदयाश्रयः । विधुंतुदः सैंहिकेयो घोररुपो महाबलः ॥ ३ ॥	Kaladrishtih kalarupah shrikshtahridayashrayah Vidhuntudah saimhikeyo ghorarupo mahabalah || 3 ||	This verse highlights Rahu’s association with time and its embodiment. Rahu is considered to be present in the heart of Shri Kshetra (a sacred place) and is known for overcoming Vidhunmada (a demon). Rahu is described as the son of Simhika and is portrayed as formidable and potent.
ग्रहपीडाकरो द्रंष्टी रक्तनेत्रो महोदरः । पञ्चविंशति नामानि स्मृत्वा राहुं सदा नरः ॥ ४ ॥	Grahapidakaro drashtee raktanetro mahodarah Pancavimshati namani smritva rahum sada narah || 4 ||	Here, Rahu’s influence on planetary bodies is emphasized, along with its distinct physical features. Reciting Rahu’s twenty-five names is believed to offer protection from its negative influences.
यः पठेन्महती पीडा तस्य नश्यति केवलम् । विरोग्यं पुत्रमतुलां श्रियं धान्यं पशूंस्तथा ॥ ५ ॥	Yah pathen mahatee peeda tasya nashyati kevalam Virogyam putram-atulam shriyam dhanyam pasums-tatha || 5 ||	This verse states that those who recite this stotram can alleviate their sufferings, achieve liberation, have exceptional children, and gain abundance in terms of wealth, grains, and cattle.
ददाति राहुस्तस्मै यः पठते स्तोत्रमुत्तमम् । सततं पठते यस्तु जीवेद्वर्षशतं नरः ॥ ६ ॥	Dadati rahustasmai yah pathate stotram uttamam Satatam pathate yastu jived-varshashatam narah || 6 ||	The final verse emphasizes that Rahu blesses those who recite this hymn and promises longevity to those who regularly chant it, extending their lives to a hundred years.

Benefits of Rahu Stotram:

1. Protection from Negative Influences: Reciting this stotram can help protect individuals from the potentially adverse effects of Rahu’s influence, particularly in astrology and life circumstances.
2. Alleviation of Suffering: The recitation of these verses is believed to alleviate personal suffering and challenges, bringing relief to individuals facing difficulties.
3. Attainment of Liberation: Those who chant these verses with devotion can experience a sense of spiritual liberation, moving towards greater self-awareness and enlightenment.
4. Blessings for Children: The stotram is said to bestow blessings upon parents, granting them exceptional and praiseworthy children.
5. Protection during Eclipses: Given Rahu’s association with eclipses, chanting these verses could provide protection and calmness during times of astronomical events.