Rahu Temple is located in Rahuri village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, on the banks of the Mula River.This temple is an important pilgrimage centre connected with the legend of Rahu from the time of Samudra Manthan.
The temple is considered ancient, and the faith connected with Rahu here goes back to mythological times. Though the temple has been renovated at different periods, devotees believe that the power and presence of Rahu at this place has remained strong for many generations.
The main deity worshipped here is Rahu, one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial planetary deities). The idol of Rahu is made from black stone, and along with him, idols of Ketu and Shani Dev are also installed. According to belief, Rahu’s head is worshipped as Rahu, and his headless body is known as Ketu. Devotees pray here to reduce the ill effects of Rahu and to receive protection, courage, and relief from difficulties.
The temple follows a simple traditional style, with a peaceful stone structure and a calm atmosphere. The sanctum houses the black-stone idol of Rahu, which gives a powerful divine presence. The temple surroundings include village homes and natural greenery, with the holy Mula River nearby, adding to the sacredness of the place.
The town name “Rahuri” is believed to have developed from the words “Rahu Hari,” meaning the place where Rahu was defeated or subdued. Over time, the name changed in pronunciation and became Rahuri. Because of this connection, Rahuri is considered a sacred place for Rahu worship in Maharashtra.
During the Samudra Manthan, the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrit – the nectar of immortality. When the nectar finally appeared, Lord Vishnu took the enchanting form of Mohini to distribute it only to the gods. At that time, the demon Rahu cleverly disguised himself as a god and secretly sat among the devas to drink the nectar.
When Rahu began drinking the Amrit, Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) recognized him and informed Lord Vishnu. Immediately, Vishnu, in his Mohini form, used the Sudarshana Chakra to cut off Rahu’s head. But since Rahu had already tasted the nectar, he could not die — instead, his head and body became immortal but separated.
It is believed that Rahu’s head fell at Rahuri on the banks of the Mula River, and therefore, this place became sacred to Rahu. His headless body became Ketu, so both are worshipped as powerful planetary forces. Because Rahu remembers that Surya and Chandra exposed him, it is said that he occasionally “swallows” them, which we see as solar and lunar eclipses.
There is also a sacred connection that towards the east of Rahuri lies Nevasa, where the ancient Mohiniraj Temple stands. This temple marks the place where Lord Vishnu took the Mohini form during the same divine event.
Rahu is one of the Navagrahas. In astronomy, Rahu and Ketu represent the two nodal points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the Sun’s path. When the Sun or Moon passes through these points, an eclipse occurs. Hence, Rahu is closely connected with eclipses and planetary effects.
This temple is especially crowded on Amavasya (New Moon Day) and during eclipses, as Rahu is closely linked with these times. Many devotees also visit on Saturdays, Sundays, and Navagraha days to perform special pooja and archana. People pray here for relief from the effects of Rahu dosha, problems, obstacles, and negativity, as well as for peace, prosperity, and protection in their lives.
