Gulika in Vedic Astrology

According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided for any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan, or Yagya (यज्ञ) to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered by Rahu due to its malefic nature. If one does Puja, Hawan, or Yagya during Gulika, then desired results are not achieved. Hence, it is important to consider Gulika before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased.

However, any work related to Rahu gives good results during this period. Hawan, Yagya, etc., to propitiate Rahu can be done during this time.

People, especially in South India, give utmost importance to Gulika. Auspicious activities like marriage rituals, engagement, Graha Pravesh, any purchase of stocks, shares, gold, home, car, and starting new business or trade are avoided during this time. Gulika is considered only for undertaking any new work, and already started work can be continued during Gulika.

Gulika, which is also spelled as Rahu Kala, Rahu Kal, Rahu Kalam, and Rahu Kalaam, is a certain amount of time every day which lasts approximately for one and a half hour. Gulika is one of the eight segments of the day between sunrise and sunset. These eight segments are calculated by taking the total time between sunrise and sunset at a given place and then dividing this time duration by eight.

Gulika timings and duration are not the same for any two locations due to the difference in local timings of sunrise and sunset. Even for one location, Gulika timing and duration are not the same for all days as sunrise and sunset timings keep changing throughout the year. In other words, Gulika varies from place to place and from day to day. Hence, Gulika should be looked at for each day.

After sunrise, the first period (out of eight divisions of time between sunrise and sunset), which approximately lasts for one and a half hours, is always auspicious as this duration of the day is always free from the malefic effects of Rahu.

Gulika on Different Days:

• Monday: Gulika falls on the 2nd period.
• Saturday: Gulika falls on the 3rd period.
• Friday: Gulika falls on the 4th period.
• Wednesday: Gulika falls on the 5th period.
• Thursday: Gulika falls on the 6th period.
• Tuesday: Gulika falls on the 7th period.
• Sunday: Gulika falls on the 8th period.

Note: Few people consider Gulika for the night duration also, though this is less popular as most important and auspicious work are started during the daytime. However, Gulika during the night can also be calculated by dividing the duration between sunset and the next day's sunrise by eight. According to some, Gulika on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday has more malefic effects than those of other weekdays.