What i understood the meaning of ' rahao' in gurbani is to pause
Exactly. You are
not supposed to say it. You are supposed to Pause for a bit when you see Rahao.
Rahao ਰਹਾਉ is an instruction.
Like if there is a script -
John - *pull out chair and sit down* "Hi I wanted to talk about this"
This is to be performed by John - *pull out chair and sit down*
This is to be spoken by John - "Hi I wanted to talk about this"
John should not say "Pull out chair and sit down Hi I wanted to talk about this"
John should - Pull out chair and sit down
And say - "Hi I wanted to talk about this"
Similarly Rahao is performed.
And it's the same with this symbol - ੴ
When you see ੴ, you should perform it. You should chant 1 continuous Aum sound.
When you see ਏਕੰਕਾਰ or ਓਅੰਕਾਰ then you should say it out as Ekonkar.
Next time you see ੴ and ਰਹਾਉ - do a mini meditation.
ੴ - Chant one long Aum and ਰਹਾਉ - hold complete silence.