✦ Free · No Signup · Instant
Rahu Kaal Calculator
Today's inauspicious time for your city
✦ Lahiri Ayanamsa · No data stored · Free forever
When to Avoid, When to Begin
The day from sunrise to sunset is divided into 8 equal segments in Vedic timekeeping. One of these segments is ruled by Rahu — the shadow planet associated with disruption, illusion, and karmic obstacles. This window, called Rahu Kaal, shifts each weekday and varies slightly each day based on the actual length of daylight at your location.
The traditional advice: avoid starting anything important during Rahu Kaal — opening a new business, signing contracts, beginning a long journey, scheduling a wedding ceremony, or launching a major project. Routine activities continue without concern. The principle is simple: when initiating something with long-term consequences, choose a window when Rahu's influence is dormant. To pick the most favorable window instead, check the Choghadiya for the day.
The Three Inauspicious Periods
Vedic Panchang identifies three daily inauspicious windows: Rahu Kaal (Rahu's period), Yamaganda (the lord of death's period), and Gulika Kaal (Saturn's son Gulika's period). Each is a 1/8th-of-daylight slot following a different weekday rotation. The most observed of the three is Rahu Kaal — it's referenced daily in South Indian households and businesses for scheduling decisions. For full daily context, also see today's Tithi.
Related Calculators
Other free Vedic tools you might find useful
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rahu Kaal?+
Rahu Kaal is a 90-minute window each day considered inauspicious for new ventures, important meetings, contracts, ceremonies, or any task you want to succeed. It's calculated by dividing the time from sunrise to sunset into 8 equal parts; the part assigned to Rahu varies by weekday. Rahu Kaal is widely observed in South India and many parts of North India for everyday timing decisions.
What's the daily schedule of Rahu Kaal?+
The traditional schedule (assuming 6am-6pm with 90-minute slots) is: Sunday 4:30-6:00pm, Monday 7:30-9:00am, Tuesday 3:00-4:30pm, Wednesday 12:00-1:30pm, Thursday 1:30-3:00pm, Friday 10:30am-12:00pm, Saturday 9:00-10:30am. Actual times shift based on local sunrise and sunset, which is why this calculator computes them for your specific city and date.
What about Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal?+
Yamaganda is another inauspicious 90-minute period — also calculated as 1/8th of daylight — that follows a different weekday schedule. Gulika Kaal is the third inauspicious period, ruled by Saturn's 'son' Gulika. Together, Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda, and Gulika Kaal mark times traditionally avoided for important new beginnings. Routine activities continue normally — only ceremonial and venture starts are postponed.
Should I really avoid Rahu Kaal?+
Many South Indian families and businesses avoid starting new ventures, signing contracts, or beginning long journeys during Rahu Kaal. However, ongoing tasks, daily work, and routine activities are not affected. The principle is conservative scheduling — choose a non-Rahu-Kaal window when initiating something important. If your full chart's dasha and transits favor success, Rahu Kaal alone is rarely deal-breaking.