Rahu is a cut-off head of an asura, that swallows the sun causing eclipses.He is depicted in art as a serpent with no body.Rahu is one of the navagrahas (nine planets) in Vedic astrology.The Rahu kala (time of day under the influence of Rahu) is considered inauspicious.
According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu drank some of the amrita (divine nectar).Sun and moon realized it and they alerted Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu).Before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini cut off his head. The head, however,remained immortal due to the effect of amrita and became Rahu.It is believed that this immortal head from time to time swallows the sun, causing eclipses.Then, the sun passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.The body also turned into Ketu due to a boon, and it in turn swallows the moon on timely basis to cause a lunar eclipse.
There is no equal to Rahu when it comes to giving upliftment in name and fame or sudden luck at gambling,which is probably the reason why Western astrologers regard it as the greatest benefic force. In Vedic astrology Rahu is seen as an asura or demon who does his best to plunge any area of life he controls into chaos,mystery,and cruelty.He is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire,as well as random,uncontrolled growth without wisdom or understanding.
Rahu is attired with blue and is offered black grams and mantharai flower.It is believed that offering the above to Rahu planet brings victory in all leads of life.
Design: Made in heavy shining brass.
Brass is well known for its grasping capacity.It grasps the divine spirit upto 30%, when compared to other metals.The spiritual vibrations are attracted towards these shining idols easily.
Dimensions: 2.8 inches (H) x 1.3 inches (W) x 1.8 inches (L) (7 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm) approx
Weight: 320 grams
Placement: It should be placed facing South West direction.
Importance of Idol worship: Idols are not the idle fancies of sculptors, but shining channels through which the heart of the devotee is attracted to and flows towards God.Though the image is worshipped, the devotee feels the presence of the Lord in it and pours out his devotion unto it.Regular worship, Puja and other modes of demonstrating our inner feeling of recognition of Divinity in the idol unveils the Divinity latent in it.This is truly a wonder and a miracle.The picture comes to life.The idol speaks.It will answer your questions and solve your problems.The God in you has the power to awaken the latent Divinity in the idol.The lives of Mirabai,Sant Tukaram, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Shri Yogananda are a few instances to prove the point.They proved beyond doubt that idol worship has its own brighter side and through simple faith and intense devotion one can realize God through it.
Idols are the "finite representation of the Infinite".As per Vishnu Samhita (ch 29, v 55-7), persuasively endorses the use of imagery (idols) and puts it:"Without a form how can God be mediated upon? If (He is) without any form, where will the mind fix itself? When there is nothing for the mind to attach itself to,it will slip away from meditation or will glide into a state of slumber.Therefore the wise will meditate on some form, remembering, however,that the form is a superimposition and not a reality.