How long is Rahu Mahadasha?

18 years in the 120-year Vimshottari cycle. It follows Mars Mahadasha and is followed by Jupiter Mahadasha. If you were born in it, only the remaining balance runs from birth.

Which Antardasha comes first in Rahu Mahadasha?

Rahu-Rahu: every Mahadasha opens with its own Antardasha, lasting 2 yr 8 mo 12 d. The rest follow in Vimshottari order, ending with Rahu-Mars.

Who is born in Rahu Mahadasha?

Anyone whose Moon was in Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha Nakshatra at birth starts life in Rahu Mahadasha, part-way through it.

How do I know if I am in Rahu Mahadasha?

Enter your birth date, time and place in the free Vimshottari Dasha calculator; it shows the Mahadasha, Antardasha and Pratyantardasha running today with exact dates.

Rahu Mahadasha: Effects, Antardashas and Remedies

At a glance

Rahu Mahadasha lasts 18 years. Eighteen years of ambition, the unconventional and the foreign - sudden rises, new technology and travel abroad are typical, along with restlessness.

Length: 18 years
Comes after: Mars
Followed by: Jupiter
Birth stars: Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha

Find your running Dasha

What Rahu Mahadasha brings

Rahu Mahadasha lasts eighteen years and is the most unpredictable period of the cycle. Rahu magnifies desire and ambition - foreign lands, technology, media, politics and anything unconventional - and can lift a person suddenly. Its results depend heavily on the sign and house Rahu occupies and the planet that rules that sign.

When Rahu is strong

Well placed (in the 3rd, 6th, 10th or 11th house, or in a friendly sign), Rahu can bring sudden rises, foreign settlement or income, success in technology and large ambitions realised.

When Rahu is weak or afflicted

Badly placed, it can bring confusion, restlessness, deception, addictions, unusual health problems and choices made on impulse that need undoing later.

The nine Antardashas of Rahu Mahadasha

Each Antardasha takes a share of the 18 years in proportion to its own Mahadasha length.

1Rahu-Rahu2 yr 8 mo 12 d
2Rahu-Jupiter2 yr 4 mo 24 d
3Rahu-Saturn2 yr 10 mo 6 d
4Rahu-Mercury2 yr 6 mo 18 d
5Rahu-Ketu1 yr 18 d
6Rahu-Venus3 yr
7Rahu-Sun10 mo 24 d
8Rahu-Moon1 yr 6 mo
9Rahu-Mars1 yr 18 d

Traditional remedies for Rahu Mahadasha

Recite Om Rahave Namah or the Durga Saptashati
Keep routines and avoid shortcuts and intoxicants
Feed stray dogs and help sanitation workers
Donate black sesame or a blanket on Saturdays

Remedies work best when chosen for your chart - the same Mahadasha can need strengthening in one Kundli and calming in another.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Rahu Mahadasha?: 18 years in the 120-year Vimshottari cycle. It follows Mars Mahadasha and is followed by Jupiter Mahadasha. If you were born in it, only the remaining balance runs from birth.
Which Antardasha comes first in Rahu Mahadasha?: Rahu-Rahu: every Mahadasha opens with its own Antardasha, lasting 2 yr 8 mo 12 d. The rest follow in Vimshottari order, ending with Rahu-Mars.
Who is born in Rahu Mahadasha?: Anyone whose Moon was in Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha Nakshatra at birth starts life in Rahu Mahadasha, part-way through it.
How do I know if I am in Rahu Mahadasha?: Enter your birth date, time and place in the free Vimshottari Dasha calculator; it shows the Mahadasha, Antardasha and Pratyantardasha running today with exact dates.

What will Rahu Mahadasha mean for you?

The houses Rahu rules and occupies in your chart decide whether this period lifts career, marriage or finances. A 5-year Dasha forecast maps it out with dates.

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