|
|
|
| The Mythology of Rahu/Ketu across different civilization: |
|
Egyptian Civilization: There have been several associations of serpentine images reflecting the cyclical nature of time and celestial forces guiding life of humans on earth.
In one legend there is a mention of Serpent demon Apep who was the enemy of Ra (The Sun God). He represented all darkness and evil as well as complete wisdom and enlightenment. This is the same cosmic forces that are represented by nodes in Astrology.
Greek civilization: Greek mythology is full of stories around the battles of Hercules, the son of Jupiter destroying the 9 headed sea serpent Hydra and the constellation Draco (Drago). In another story Apollo the sun god kills a huge serpent near Delphi.
Chinese Civilization: It is full of stories of different dragon .Dragon symbolism represents the same cosmic forces, which the lunar nodes represent in astrology. This is why the other names of Rahu/Ketu are Dragon’s head/ Dragon’s tail. In Chinese mythology Dragon is associated with highest form of wisdom and enlightenment and power.
Mayan Civilization : For Mayan’s, their whole culture was based on the imagery of a “great lordly serpent” called “Ahau Can” The Ahau Can replaces it’s fangs every 20 days which was the basis of their calendar, and they made great progress in astronomy and astrology calculations. Their ancient calendar is still used to predict eclipses in a very accurate manner.
Vedic Civilization: The puranic legend on the birth of Rahu/Ketu goes as follows-
A celestial demon called “Swarbhanu” undertook a severe penance invoking Lord Brahma, the creator. Brahma pleased with his penance conferred the status of a planet to him.
During the celestial churning of the ocean, Dhanwantari, the divine physician came out with “amrita” the divine nectar, which will grant immortality to whoever will drink the nectar. Initially there was a pact between Gods and Demons that it will be distributed equally among Gods and Demons. But Gods did not want demons to taste the Divine Nectar. They did not exactly play cricket or be fair. Lord Vishnu took the form of beautiful damsel and took the responsibility of distribution of Amrita to both Gods and Demons. The plan or rather conspiracy was that Gods and Demons will sit in separate rows and the distribution will start with Gods. Vishnu will ensure that the Divine Nectar will finish before he begins the distribution to Demons. All the demons were tricked and they were overwhelmed with the beauty of the damsel except “Swarbhanu” who saw through the conspiracy hatched by Lord Vishnu. He disguised himself and sat in the God’s row.
He managed to drink the divine nectar and Vishnu though he was aware who he was but remained quiet as he also knew about Brahma’s blessing on him. Both Sun and Moon discovered his presence and asked Vishnu to destroy him. Vishnu severed Sharvanu’s head with his Sudarshan Chakra. But it did not kill him as he had already taken the nectar. The severed head was joined with a serpent’s tail and conferred by Brahma the status of planet known as Rahu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
