[1] It represents the ascension of the Moon in its precessional orbit around the Earth, also referred as the north lunar node,[2] and along with Ketu, is a "shadow planet" that causes eclipses.

Despite having no physical existence, Rahu has been allocated the status of the planet by ancient seers owing to its strong influence in astrology.

This coincides with the precessional orbit of the Moon or the ~18 year rotational cycle of the lunar ascending and descending nodes on the Earth's ecliptic plane.

Astronomically, Rahu and Ketu denote the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move on the celestial sphere.

[4] The tales begin in the "remotest periods of the earliest of time, when the devas and asuras churned the ocean of milk to extract from it the amrita, the elixir of immortality.

[4] Rahu and Ketu became bitter enemies with Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) for exposing his deception and leading to his decapitation.

[6][7][10] The Rig Veda mentions that during a solar eclipse, the sons of Atri were conflicted and succeeded to free Surya.

Rahu delivered the message informing Shiva that being a humble yogi who lived in the cremation grounds and the jungle as a naked ascetic, he was unworthy of the fairest goddess.

[12][14] Upon hearing these insults, Shiva produced a thunderous sound and a great lion-like monster from his brow named Kirtimukha.

In response, Shiva called off Kirtimukha’s attack and set Rahu free to relay these events back to Jalandhara.

[16][15] Indra set out on Airavata, his divine elephant, to investigate alongside Rahu, who retreated once more when he saw how enormous Hanuman had grown.

Furious over his son's injury, Vayu withdrew all the air from the universe until all the devas, the asuras, and men began to suffer and suffocate.