Rahu Mahadasha: What the 18-Year Rahu Period Means

Common themes of Rahu Mahadasha

• Strong desire for growth, status or recognition.
• Sudden or unusual opportunities — technology, media, foreign travel or settlement.
• Restlessness, confusion or obsession when Rahu is afflicted.
• Breaking with family or social conventions.

Antardashas within Rahu Mahadasha

Each mahadasha divides into nine antardashas (sub-periods) in a fixed order, proportional to each planet's dasha years. Within Rahu Mahadasha the order is: Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars.

• Rahu–Rahu: about 2 years 8 months
• Rahu–Jupiter: about 2 years 5 months
• Rahu–Saturn: about 2 years 10 months
• Rahu–Mercury: about 2 years 6 months
• Rahu–Ketu: about 1 year
• Rahu–Venus: 3 years
• Rahu–Sun: about 11 months
• Rahu–Moon: 1 year 6 months
• Rahu–Mars: about 1 year

What makes it favourable or difficult

Classical texts say Rahu gives the results of the lord of the sign it occupies and of the planets it joins. Rahu in the 3rd, 6th, 10th or 11th house is often considered supportive of worldly success. Its condition in the navamsa (D9) chart and the transits during the period also matter.

Traditional remedies

Remedies are traditional and vary by lineage; consult a qualified astrologer before acting on them, especially gemstones.

• Rahu beej mantra and Durga worship.
• Charity on Saturdays, honesty and avoiding intoxicants.
• A steady routine and meditation to calm Rahu's restlessness.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

• Rahu and Ketu explained →
• Mahadasha vs Antardasha →
• Vimshottari dasha explained →
• Sade Sati →