Pronunciation: [ɹˈahuː] (IPA) 
The word "rahu" is a term from Hinduism, and refers to a mythical demon who is said to cause eclipses. In terms of spelling, it's pronounced roughly as "rah-hooo," with a slightly aspirated "h" sound at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /ˈrɑhu/. Although it may be difficult for non-native speakers to initially spell, understanding the pronunciation can help with proper spelling in written communication.
Rahu is a term commonly used in Hindu astrology and mythology. In Hinduism, Rahu is one of the nine celestial bodies referred to as "Navagrahas," and is considered a malevolent planetary influence. It is believed to be the head of a mythical demon, known as the "Rahu-Ketu," who is said to have deceived the gods to drink the elixir of immortality during the churning of the cosmic ocean.
In astrological terms, Rahu is often associated with darkness, confusion, illusions, and material desires. It is believed to be responsible for various mental and physical ailments, as well as obstacles and challenges in one's life. Rahu's position in a person's birth chart is considered significant, as it is said to influence their career, relationships, and overall life path.
As per Hindu mythology, Rahu has a powerful and unpredictable nature, representing a person's karmic desires and growth. It is often symbolized as a serpent or dragon, depicting its ability to cause eclipses by devouring the Sun or the Moon. Rahu is also associated with the lunar nodes, with its counterpart Ketu representing the body of the demon.
In summary, Rahu is a celestial body in Hindu astrology and mythology, representing a malefic planetary influence associated with darkness, confusion, illusions, and material desires. It is believed to have a significant impact on a person's life, influencing their karmic desires, challenges, and growth.
The word "rahu" has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, "rahu" (राहु) refers to one of the nine planets mentioned in Hindu astrology.
It is believed that the word "rahu" is derived from the Sanskrit root "rāh" which means "to seize" or "to snatch". This is due to the association of Rahu with the eclipse phenomena. In Hindu mythology, Rahu is depicted as a demon who swallows the sun or the moon during eclipses by snatching them away.
Over time, the term "rahu" has expanded its meaning beyond astrology and also colloquially refers to an obstacle, impediment, or a difficult situation in various Indian languages.
