| Day | Rahu Kalam | Yamagandam | Gulika Kalam |
| Monday | 7:30 am – 9:00 am (IST) | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (IST) | 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (IST) |
| Tuesday | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (IST) | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (IST) | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (IST) |
| Wednesday | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (IST) | 7:30 am – 9:00 am (IST) | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (IST) |
| Thursday | 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (IST) | 6:00 am – 7:30 am (IST) | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (IST) |
| Friday | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (IST) | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (IST) | 7:30 am – 9:00 am (IST) |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (IST) | 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (IST) | 6:00 am – 7:30 am (IST) |
| Sunday | 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm (IST) | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (IST) | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (IST) |
What is Rahu?
In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are known as shadow planets or Chaya Grahas. Rahu represents the North Lunar Node, while Ketu represents the South Lunar Node. According to Hindu mythology, both were once part of a single being called Svarbhanu, an Asura (demon).
The story begins during the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean, when the gods and demons searched for Amrit, the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute the nectar only to the Devas (gods).
Svarbhanu secretly disguised himself as a Deva and sat among them to drink the nectar. Before he could fully consume it, the Sun and the Moon recognized him and informed Lord Vishnu. Vishnu immediately used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Svarbhanu into two parts. Since he had already tasted the nectar, he did not die. His head became Rahu, and the remaining body became Ketu.
From that day, Rahu and Ketu were believed to chase the Sun and Moon, causing eclipses. In astrology, Rahu is linked with desires, ambitions, and worldly attachments, while Ketu represents spirituality, detachment, and liberation. Their influence depends on the planets they are associated with in a person’s birth chart.
What is Rahu Kalam?
Rahu Kalam is a daily time period in Vedic astrology that is considered unsuitable for starting important work. Unlike the seven visible planets, Rahu and Ketu do not have weekdays assigned to them. Instead, Rahu is believed to rule about one and a half hours every day, known as Rahu Kalam.
During this period, Rahu’s influence is considered stronger. Many people avoid beginning new business, signing important documents, making investments, or performing religious ceremonies at this time.
The exact timing of Rahu Kalam changes every day because it depends on the local sunrise and sunset. Since the duration of daylight varies with location and season, the Rahu Kalam timing also changes accordingly.
What is Yamagandam?
Yamagandam is another daily period that is considered inauspicious in traditional astrology. It is associated with Yama, the god of death.
People generally avoid starting important activities during Yamagandam because it is believed that work begun during this time may not produce favorable results. Financial decisions, travel, and ceremonies are usually postponed until this period ends.
Like Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam lasts for around one and a half hours and is calculated by dividing the daytime into eight equal parts.
What is Gulika Kalam?

Gulika Kalam is another daily period that many people avoid when planning important events. It is connected with Gulika, who is traditionally regarded as the son of Lord Shani (Saturn).
This time is believed to carry Saturn’s influence. According to tradition, actions started during Gulika Kalam may repeat or continue for a long time. Because of this belief, many people avoid beginning important ceremonies or special occasions during this period.
Gulika Kalam generally lasts for about one and a half hours each day.
Wednesday – Rahukalam and Yamagandam Timings
Wednesday is ruled by Mercury (Budh) in Vedic astrology. Before beginning an important task on Wednesday, many people first check the Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam timings.
These periods are traditionally considered unfavorable for starting new work. To increase the chances of success, people often choose a more suitable time after these periods end.
Many individuals refer to the daily Panchang or Choghadiya to find the day’s auspicious and inauspicious timings before planning important activities.
What is Nalla Neram?
Nalla Neram means “good time” and is widely followed in South India to choose the best time for important events.
People often use Nalla Neram for occasions such as buying a house, purchasing a vehicle, performing Griha Pravesh, getting married, or starting a new business.
The timing is calculated using the Gowri Panchangam, a traditional Tamil calendar. It divides both the day and the night into eight equal parts.
Some time periods in the Gowri Panchangam are considered favorable, such as Amritha, Uthi, Laabam, Sugam, and Dhanam. Others, including Visham, Rogam, and Soram, are generally considered unfavorable.
Remedial Measures for Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulika Kalam

The simplest way to avoid negative effects is to postpone important work until Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, or Gulika Kalam has ended. Regular daily activities can still continue as usual.
Sometimes, delaying an important task is not possible. In such cases, many people offer prayers before beginning their work or starting a journey. Some also keep a small amount of money aside as a symbolic offering before leaving.
If you do not know your Kul Devta (family deity), you may pray to Lord Ganesha or Lord Hanuman. Chanting Ganesha Mantras or the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to provide strength, remove obstacles, and reduce negative influences.
Many devotees also offer Panchamrit and jaggery to Lord Hanuman. After offering the prasad, it is traditionally consumed before beginning the important task.
FAQs
What is Rahu Kalam and why is it important?
Rahu Kalam is a daily period of about one and a half hours that is considered unsuitable for starting important work. Many people avoid beginning new ventures, signing contracts, or performing auspicious ceremonies during this time.
Can I travel during Rahu Kalam?
According to Vedic tradition, it is better to avoid starting a journey during Rahu Kalam if possible. If travel cannot be postponed, many people pray to Lord Ganesha or Lord Hanuman before leaving.
What is the difference between Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, and Gulika Kalam?
Rahu Kalam is associated with Rahu, Yamagandam is linked to Yama, and Gulika Kalam is connected with Gulika, the son of Saturn. All three are considered inauspicious periods for beginning important activities.
Does Rahu Kalam occur every day?
Yes. Rahu Kalam occurs every day, but its timing changes based on the local sunrise and sunset. The duration is usually around 90 minutes.
What should I do if I must start an important task during Rahu Kalam?
If delaying the task is not possible, you can pray to your family deity or worship Lord Ganesha or Lord Hanuman. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa or Ganesha Mantras is also considered beneficial before starting the task.
Conclusion
Understanding Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, and Gulika Kalam can help you plan important activities according to traditional Vedic beliefs. While these time periods are generally avoided for new beginnings, regular daily work can continue without concern. If an important task cannot be postponed, simple prayers and devotion to Lord Ganesha or Lord Hanuman are commonly followed as traditional remedies. By checking the daily Panchang and choosing an auspicious time, many people believe they can begin important events with greater confidence and positivity.
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