A temple I visited had a large statue to Phra Rahu, the Indian god of darkness, eclipses, and shadows and king of meteors. According to Hindu mythology, Rahu was a giant who became jealous at not being invited by the gods to share an elixir of immortality. He stealthily stole a portion of the elixir, but was seen by the god of the sun, who told the other gods. Rahu was punished. Now, he becomes angry whenever he meets the sun god, and sometimes tries to eat the sun. That is when there is an eclipse!
To appease Rahu, ask him not to eat the sun, and petition him for blessings of success and wealth, people will make offerings of nine black items such as black rice, grapes, black jelly, black incense, and others. On the days of eclipses, you will often see people making offerings to Rahu.
