What is Rahu Kaal?
Rahu Kaal (also spelled Rahu Kalam) is an inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes that occurs every day at different times. It's ruled by Rahu, the shadowy north node of the Moon, associated with obstacles, confusion, and unexpected negative events.
In Vedic astrology, Rahu represents illusion, deception, and karmic difficulties. Activities begun during Rahu Kaal are believed to face hurdles or produce undesired results. Hence, traditionalists avoid starting important work during this time.
Know the Day-Wise Pattern
Rahu Kaal falls at different times each day. Here's the traditional order (based on 6 AM sunrise):
- Sunday: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (8th segment)
- Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM (2nd segment)
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (7th segment)
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (5th segment)
- Thursday: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (6th segment)
- Friday: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (4th segment)
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (3rd segment)
"Mother Saw Father Wearing The Turban Suddenly" - first letters give day order: Mon, Sat, Fri, Wed, Thu, Tue, Sun for segments 1-7.
Calculate for Your Location
The times above assume 6 AM sunrise and 6 PM sunset. For accurate calculation:
- Note local sunrise and sunset times
- Calculate total daylight hours
- Divide by 8 to get segment duration
- Apply the day's Rahu segment
Example for Mumbai (Jan 7, 2026):
- Sunrise: 7:09 AM
- Sunset: 6:08 PM
- Day duration: ~11 hours
- Segment: ~82 minutes
- Tuesday (7th segment): ~4:08 PM - 5:30 PM
Use Online Calculator
For accuracy, especially in different seasons/locations:
- Visit GrahaGuru's Panchang
- Set your location (city)
- Find "Rahu Kaal" in the timings section
- Note both start and end times
The calculator automatically adjusts for your timezone, sunrise/sunset, and daylight variations.
What to Avoid in Rahu Kaal
Definitely Avoid:
- Starting new business ventures
- Signing important contracts
- Marriage ceremonies and engagements
- Griha Pravesh (house warming)
- Buying property, vehicles, gold
- Beginning long journeys
- Important interviews or exams
- Medical surgeries (if avoidable)
Okay to Do:
- Regular daily work
- Routine meetings
- Ongoing tasks
- Emergency situations
- Rahu-related remedies (some traditions)
Don't let Rahu Kaal create unnecessary anxiety. It's most relevant for major new beginnings. Daily life continues normally.
Other Inauspicious Periods
Besides Rahu Kaal, also check:
- Yamagandam: Another ~90-minute inauspicious period daily
- Gulika Kaal: Saturn's inauspicious sub-period
- Durmuhurta: Two specific inauspicious muhurtas per day
- Varjyam: Period to avoid for certain activities
For important events, check all these timings in the daily Panchang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rahu Kaal is an inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes that occurs daily. It's ruled by Rahu (Moon's north node), considered a shadow planet causing obstacles. Starting important activities during Rahu Kaal is believed to bring delays, obstacles, and unfavorable outcomes.
Avoid during Rahu Kaal: Starting new ventures, signing contracts, marriage ceremonies, Griha Pravesh, buying property/vehicles, starting journeys, medical procedures (if avoidable), important meetings. Regular daily activities can continue normally.
No, Rahu Kaal timing varies by location because it's calculated based on local sunrise and sunset. Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata will have different Rahu Kaal times on the same day. Always use location-specific calculations.
Yes, if work was started before Rahu Kaal, it can continue through the period. The restriction is mainly about "beginning" new important activities. Ongoing work, routine tasks, and continuation of existing projects are fine.
Check Today's Rahu Kaal
Get accurate Rahu Kaal timing for your location.
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