Thailand: A representation of Rahu (Snake Demon and causer of solar and lunar eclipses), swallowing the moon, Wat Traimit, Bangkok

Thailand: A representation of Rahu (Snake Demon and causer of solar and lunar eclipses), swallowing the moon, Wat Traimit, Bangkok

In Hindu mythology, Rahu is a snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. Rahu is one of the navagrahas (nine planets) in Vedic astrology. The Rahu kala (time of day under the influence of Rahu) is considered inauspicious. According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar. But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu) cut off his head. The head, however, remained immortal. It is believed that this immortal head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses. Then, the sun or moon passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse. Wat Traimit is a Thai Buddhist temple found in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. It is chiefly known for housing the world's largest solid gold Buddha figure, the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon. The image is also the largest solid gold statue of any kind in the world.

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