The mother of Ketu is Simhika.
Ketu is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and Vedic astrology, recognized as one of the Navagraha, or nine celestial bodies. While often associated with his sibling Rahu, Ketu possesses a distinct lineage that is well-documented in ancient scriptures.
Ketu's Family Background
Ketu's parentage and key family members are clearly identified. His father is Viprachitti, and his mother is Simhika. This establishes Ketu's direct familial ties within a significant mythological lineage.
Here is a quick overview of Ketu's immediate family:
| Relationship | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Viprachitti |
| Mother | Simhika |
| Sibling | Rahu |
| Consort | Chitralekha |
The Significance of Ketu's Lineage
Simhika is known in Hindu texts as a daughter of Hiranyakashipu, a powerful Asura (demon) king. This ancestry connects Ketu to a formidable lineage of Daityas, a race of powerful beings in Hindu cosmology. Understanding his parentage helps to contextualize Ketu's nature and his role in various mythological narratives and astrological interpretations.
Ketu, along with Rahu, is commonly understood to be a part of the asura Svarbhanu, who was decapitated by Lord Vishnu during the Samudra manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). While Svarbhanu's body split into Rahu (the head) and Ketu (the tail), Simhika and Viprachitti are consistently identified as their biological parents, thus providing a foundational origin story for these influential shadow planets.
