What Is Rahu Kaal and What Not to Do During It?

We usually plan our day by picking a convenient time for every action and then moving forward. But sometimes, timing quietly works against you. In Vedic astrology, there’s a window of time called Rahu Kaal, a short daily period that’s believed to carry disruptive energy.
For centuries, people have avoided starting new tasks during this time, not out of fear, but out of discipline. Being aware of Rahu Kalam timings each day helps you make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
When the cost of timing is high, a little awareness can go a long way. Here’s what Rahu Kalam timings are, why they matter, and what you should avoid during this period.
What is Rahu Kaal?
Rahu Kaal, also known as Rahu Kalam, refers to a 90-minute slot each day between sunrise and sunset. It’s not fixed, it changes depending on the day of the week and your location.
Each day is divided into eight equal parts, and each part is ruled by a different planet. One of these parts belongs to Rahu, a shadow planet associated with confusion and instability. That’s the part of the day considered inauspicious for important new beginnings.
To be clear, Rahu Kalam timings don’t stop the day. But if you’re thinking of launching something new, it’s better to wait until that time passes.
Mythological Significance of Rahu
The concept of Rahu goes back to one of the most well-known stories in Hindu mythology: the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. In the story, the demon Svarbhanu disguises himself as a god to get a taste of the nectar of immortality.
But just as he drinks it, Lord Vishnu cuts off his head. The head, having consumed the nectar, becomes immortal. That head is known as Rahu. Since then, Rahu has been seen as a planet that brings illusions, disruptions, and sudden events. That story is why Rahu’s time of the day is avoided; it’s considered unstable ground for new plans.
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Why Avoid Important Actions During Rahu Kaal?
Rahu is known for blocking progress. That doesn’t mean everything you do during Rahu Kalam timings will fail, but new efforts launched in that window are believed to face delays, confusion, or loss of momentum.It’s the kind of energy that causes missed connections, wrong t
urns, or plans that don’t take off as expected. That’s why people who follow Vedic astrology avoid initiating anything major during this time. If something starts before Rahu Kaal, it’s fine to continue it. The concern is only with what begins during that window.
What Activities to Avoid During Rahu Kaal
If you’re planning something important, knowing what to avoid during Rahu Kaal can save you time and trouble. Here are the main things you should hold off on:
1. Starting A Business Or Launching A Project
Initiating a business, launching a brand, or starting any long-term venture during Rahu Kaal is considered inauspicious. Such efforts are believed to lack stability or momentum when begun during this period, often facing delays or complications.
2. Signing Contracts or Entering Legal Agreements
Avoid putting signatures on contracts, deals, or any legal paperwork during Rahu Kaal. Agreements initiated during this window may lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or outcomes that ultimately favor your competitors.
3. Beginning A Journey, No Matter How Short or Long
Travel, even short-distance movement, should be avoided during Rahu Kaal. Ancient texts suggest that trips initiated at this time may encounter unnecessary obstacles, accidents, or delays that could impact your plans or safety.
4. Making Large Purchases, Like A Vehicle Or Property
Buying high-value assets such as cars, gold, or real estate is discouraged during this phase. Transactions made under Rahu’s influence may not bring the expected benefits or may involve later financial loss or regret.
Also Read: 12 Things You Should Never Do on a Tuesday
5. Planning Major Life Events
Weddings, naming ceremonies, and housewarming events are usually avoided during Rahu Kaal. Starting these sacred or significant rituals at this time is said to weaken their positive impact or cause spiritual imbalance.
6. Making Big Financial Decisions
Initiating bank transactions, investments, or issuing large payments during Rahu Kaal is avoided. Financial activities under this period can lead to poor returns, delays, or unexpected losses due to Rahu’s unstable influence.
7. Making Important Decisions For Work Or Family
Whether it’s a business proposal or a crucial family matter, avoid making big decisions during this time. Rahu Kaal is believed to cloud judgment, leading to confusion or missteps that are hard to reverse.
Every day tasks, like routine work, chores, or ongoing activities, are fine. The only focus here is on new beginnings during that particular 90-minute window.
Remedies and Precautions for Rahu Kaal
Sometimes, you can’t avoid it. If you’re forced to begin something important during Rahu Kaal, there are traditional remedies that are said to help reduce the negative influence of Rahu:
- Chant protective mantras, such as the Durga Stotram or Kaal Bhairav Beej Mantra. If you are wondering can we do pooja in rahu kaal, the answer is yes. It is encouraged to worship mantras during this period.
- Donate items associated with Rahu, like black sesame seeds, black clothes, or mustard oil
- Observe a fast, even a partial one, during the period
- Focus on spiritual activities, such as meditation or prayer
These steps are widely used in Vedic practice, not to cancel Rahu Kaal, but to move through it with awareness and protection.
Do you have problems or things you’re not sure about in your life? Get help and direction using astrology!
How to Calculate Rahu Kaal Timings?
Calculating Rahu Kaal isn’t complicated. You just need the day’s sunrise and sunset times in your location.
Here’s how you figure it out:
- Get your local sunrise and sunset times
- Find the length of daylight by subtracting sunrise from sunset
- Divide that time into 8 equal parts
- Identify the Rahu Kaal slot based on the day of the week
Each weekday has a specific segment assigned to Rahu:
- Monday: 2nd part
- Tuesday: 7th part
- Wednesday: 5th part
- Thursday: 6th part
- Friday: 4th part
- Saturday: 3rd part
- Sunday: 8th part
For example:
If sunrise is at 6:00 AM and sunset is at 6:00 PM, daylight lasts 12 hours. Each part is 1.5 hours.
On Tuesday (7th segment), Rahu Kaal falls between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Many people use online tools to find the exact Rahu Kaal for the day, but this method works with just a clock and a calendar.
Conclusion
You don’t need to live your life around Rahu Kaal. But knowing when it occurs and what to avoid during that time can help you plan smarter. When your energy aligns with the right moment, even small actions can bring better results. Think of Rahu Kaal not as something to fear, but as a time to pause.
Need help planning around Rahu Kaal or understanding how it affects your chart? Book a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sanjay Sethi today. He is an experienced and renowned astrologer in Gurugram skilled in guiding people around their life problems. Reach out to him to discuss about your issues.
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Dr. Sanjay Sethi, a renowned Astro-Numerologist, Rudraksha Specialist, Gemologist, and Scientific Vastu Expert, boasts 33 years of experience and a global clientele, including industrialists, film stars, politicians, and cricketers. He’s received multiple prestigious awards for his services, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to alleviate suffering worldwide. Dr. Sethi’s mission is to combine ancient knowledge with modern science for the well-being of his clients, promoting authentic, research-based solutions.