Navagrahas-Budha-Mercury

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Budha (Mercury)

Planetary Attributes of Budha

Attribute	Details
Name	Budha (Mercury)
Caste	Vaishya
Other Names	Sinthaikooriyan, Kanakkan, Therppaagan, Arunan, Saman, Thooduvan, Maal, Mathimagan, Arignan, Bagan, Pulavan, Anuvazhi, Methai, Pachai, Punthi, Pandithan, Girahapathi, Gnaani, Thanbarathan
Color	Green
Wife	Ila
Nature	Dual-natured (Ubhaya Graha)
Element	Air (Vayu Graha)
Gemstone	Emerald
Flower	Venkanthal (White Calotropis)
Quality	Benefic
Deity	Vishnu
Prathyathi Devata	Narayana
Shape	Oval
Region	Magadha
Sacrificial Wood	Nayuruvi
Direction	Northeast (North)
Taste	Salty
Metal	Brass
Vahana (Mount)	Horse (sometimes a lion or an elephant)
Disease	Vatha (Wind-related ailments)
Grain	Green Gram
Nadi	Vatha Nadi (Wind)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Maternal uncle, Education
Zodiac Sign (Own)	Mithunam (Gemini), Kanni (Virgo)
Debilitation (Neecha)	Meenam (Pisces)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Kanni (Virgo)
Moolatrikona	Kanni (Virgo)
Body Parts	Skin, Neck
Own Nakshatras	Ayilyam (Ashlesha), Kettai (Jyeshta), Revathi
Gender	Neutral (Kliba)
Direction	Northeast (North)
Mahadasha Period	17 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	1 Month
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Arthapragaman
Friends	Surya, Shukra
Enemies	Chandra (Moon)
Neutral	Mangal, Guru, Shani, Rahu, Ketu
Sacred Temple	Thiruvenkadu
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thirupullikudi
Avatar of Vishnu	Kalki
Benefits	All knowledge and scriptures
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Milk Pongal
Season	Not specified
Weekday	Wednesday
Dates	5, 14, 23
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	Sh
Symbol	Light
Social Role	Merchant
Authority	Prince
Element	Earth
Representation	Maternal uncle
Languages	Jyotish (Astrology)
Gotra	Aathreya Gotra
Raga	Tharai (Guru's wife)
Mother	Chandra (Moon)
Father	Surya (Sun)

Origin (Birth) of Budha

The Story of Tara and Brihaspati

Chandra (the Moon), after performing intense penance for many years, received a boon from Brahma to become the lord of herbs, plants, and medicinal roots. He married the 27 Nakshatra daughters of Daksha Prajapati. To enhance his fame and prestige, he performed a Rajasuya Yagna (a royal sacrificial ritual). His success in the Yagna made him arrogant and his mind became clouded. He refused to listen to anyone's advice.

One fateful day, he abducted Tara, the wife of his guru Brihaspati (Jupiter), and refused to send her back, even when the Devas (celestial beings) and his own teacher pleaded with him. This caused a great conflict.

The Great War

A terrible war broke out between the Devas, led by Brihaspati and Shiva, and the Asuras (demons), led by Shukracharya. Chandra was supported by the Asuras. The war was so fierce and both sides were so evenly matched that it was named "Tharakamaya Maha Yuddham" (the great war of Tharakamaya).

The Birth of Budha

Brahma intervened and convinced Tara to return to Brihaspati. However, Tara was already pregnant. Brihaspati said, "I cannot accept her while she is pregnant with another's child." He told her to leave the child under a tree. When the child was born, it was radiant, brilliant, and extremely beautiful. The Devas were amazed and asked who the child belonged to. Tara confirmed that the child was Chandra's.

Chandra named the child Budha. This is why Budha is considered the son of Chandra (Moon) and Tara, and is also known as Mathimagan (son of the Moon).

Significance of Budha in Astrology

Budha (Mercury) is the significator of:

Education, learning, and intelligence
Speech and communication
Mathematics and logic
Astrology and Jyotish
Art, sculpture, and painting
Acting and drama
Writing and publishing
Merchandise and trade
Nervous system and memory

There is a saying: "Wealth cannot be obtained without Jupiter, but neither can it be obtained without Mercury." This means that even if one has the blessings of Jupiter (wealth), without Mercury (intelligence and skill), one cannot retain or utilize wealth properly.

Budha's Role

He is the significator of education, wit, intelligence, and commerce.
He governs memory, speech, and reasoning.
A strong Mercury in the horoscope brings success in writing, publishing, teaching, law, business, astrology, and finance.
He rules the nervous system and the skin.

Budha and Education

A person with a strong Mercury excels in academic pursuits.
He is essential for anyone involved in teaching, research, or any intellectual profession.

Budha's Nature

Budha is a dual-natured planet (like an androgyne).
He takes on the qualities of the planet he is associated with.
He is a benefic planet by nature but becomes malefic when associated with malefic planets.

Budha's Placements

Own Signs: Mithunam (Gemini), Kanni (Virgo)
Exaltation: Kanni (Virgo)
Debilitation: Meenam (Pisces)
Own Nakshatras: Ayilyam (Ashlesha), Kettai (Jyeshta), Revathi

Budha's Relationship with Other Planets

Friends: Surya (Sun), Shukra (Venus)
Enemy: Chandra (Moon)
Neutral: Mangal, Guru, Shani, Rahu, Ketu

The Story of Budha and Brihaspati

Because Budha was born from Tara (Brihaspati's wife), Brihaspati holds a grudge against him. However, Budha, respecting his mother's husband, does not show enmity and maintains a neutral/friendly stance toward Jupiter.

Effects of Budha in Various Ascendants/Rasis

Ascendant/Rasi	Yoga/Effect Provided by Budha
Mesha (Aries)	Gains through siblings, but only if Budha is strong.
Rishaba (Taurus)	Success in writing, publishing, and creative fields. Yogas through children.
Mithunam (Gemini)	High academic achievement. Expertise in all fields. Gains through ancestral property. Opportunity in the IT field.
Simha (Leo)	Success in writing, literature, and communication.
Kanni (Virgo)	Success in education, arts, computers, accounting, and large-scale commerce.
Thulam (Libra)	Success in education, research, management of large organizations, and high positions.
Dhanus (Sagittarius)	Opportunities to travel abroad. Success in import and export business.
Makaram (Capricorn)	All-round fortune. Success in research and development.
Kumbam (Aquarius)	Success in all endeavors.
Meenam (Pisces)	Success in education, knowledge, and all creative fields.

General Rules:

Budha should not be debilitated, nor placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.
Budha should not be associated with the lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

Effects of Budha in Different Houses (Bhavas)

Budha's House	Effects
1st House (Lagna)	Good intelligence, pleasing speech, eloquence. Interest in worldly affairs. Active and alert. Aspects 7th house, so there is good rapport with the spouse.
2nd House	Good speech, respect for speech. Father's respect. Family prosperity. Good wealth.
3rd House	Many younger siblings (possibly twins). Good longevity. Business acumen. Those with Gemini or Virgo ascendants may be dual-natured in speech. Strong desire for sensual pleasures. Delayed childbirth.
4th House	Good education. Help from maternal uncle. Good income from vehicles. May buy multiple vehicles. Opportunities to buy property (perhaps two). Good friends.
5th House	Good at writing poetry. Excellent orator. High positions through government. Influence through elders. Knowledge of various arts.
6th House	Help from maternal uncle. Protective of family. May avoid conflicts. But can be argumentative.
7th House	Good, beautiful wife. Income through wife. Good business connections. Interest in arts. Good longevity. May marry uncle's daughter or have help from maternal uncle in marriage.
8th House	Obstacles in education. Lack of maternal uncle's help. If strong, wealth through inheritance.
9th House	Good wealth. Children's fortune. Charm and charisma in speech. Highly educated. Helps in higher education.
10th House	Government employment. Accumulation of property. Profit in business. Luxury items. Multiple businesses. Help from maternal uncle in business.
11th House	Great wealth. Income through women. Help from elder siblings. Good friends.
12th House	Lack of education. Hardships in life. Connections with unfortunate women. Trouble through women. Good detective skills.

Worship and Remedies for Budha

Temples for Budha

Thiruvenkadu: This is the primary temple for Budha remedies (located about 14 km from Sirkazhi on the way to Poompuhar).
Thirupullikudi: One of the Nava Thirupathis (nine sacred Vishnu temples), this is also a Budha Sthalam.

Budha Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Budha Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Gathwajaya Vidhmahe Shuka Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Budha Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Mham Hreem Um Sivaya Budha Devaya Nama"

Rituals and Offerings

Offer green gram to cows.
By worshiping Budha, one gains knowledge, prosperity, and advancement in education.
Wear green-colored clothes.
Donate items like green vegetables or lentils.

Budha's Role in Health

Budha is associated with the nervous system.
Visiting Thiruvenkadu and worshipping Budha is said to cure all nervous system-related ailments.

Thiruvenkadu Temple (The Budha Temple)

Location: Thiruvenkadu is located in the Nagapattinam district, about 60 km from Kumbakonam.

Significance

This temple is dedicated to Budha (Mercury).
The main deity here is Lord Shiva as Sukhadarana Swamy, with the goddess Brama Vidya Nayaki.
Budha has a separate shrine in this temple.

Temple Legends and Specialties

This temple is considered equal to Varanasi (Kashi).
It is one of the six sacred temples equivalent to Kashi.
The temple is also known as Aadi Chidambaram (the first Chidambaram) because of its ancient and sacred status.

The Deities

Lord Shiva: Sukhadarana Swamy, a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga.
Goddess: Brama Vidya Nayaki (the goddess of knowledge).
Budha: Has a separate shrine.

The Three Sacred Tanks

Surya Theertham
Chandra Theertham
Agni Theertham

The Three Sacred Trees

Vadaval (Banyan tree)
Vilvam (Bael)
Konrai (Cassia fistula)

The Rudra Pada

Under the Banyan tree, there is a Rudra Padam (the footstep of Lord Rudra), similar to the Vishnu Padam in Kashi.

The Agora Moorthy

This temple has a unique deity called Agara Moorthy, a fierce form of Shiva who appeared to destroy the demon Maruthuvan. This form of Shiva is seen only in this temple.

Festivals

Masi Magam festival.
Panguni Uthiram.
Karthigai Deepam.
Sivaratri.

The Story of Apputhi Adigal (Revisited)

Thiruvenkadu is also associated with the story of Apputhi Adigal, who is depicted with his family in the temple.

Budha's Scientific Facts

Budha is approximately 160,000,000 km from the Sun.
He takes 24 hours to complete one rotation on his own axis.
He takes 88 days to orbit the Sun.

Budha's Gayatri Mantra Variations

"Om Gajathwajaya Vidhmahe Kaga Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Budha Prachodayath""Om Momabhathraaya Vidhmahe Mahapragnaya Dheemahi Thanno Budha Prachodayath""Om Chandraghathaya Vidhmahe Somyagrahaaya Dheemahi Thanno Budha Prachodayath""Om Aathmaraya Vidhmahe Momabhathraaya Dheemahi Thanno Budha Prachodayath"

Budha's Number and Gemstone

A person born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd of any month falls under the influence of the number 5, which is ruled by Budha. The recommended gemstone for such individuals is the Emerald.

Budha and the Mind

Budha is the significator of intellect and memory.
Without a strong memory, it is impossible to learn Jyotish (astrology).
A person with a strong Budha is quick, intelligent, and analytical.

Budha and Speech

He governs good speech.
A weak Budha can cause speech impediments, stammering, or unclear speech.
The way a person speaks depends on the planets associated with Budha.

Budha and Business

He governs commerce and business.
A strong Budha ensures good business contacts and success in trade.

Budha and Skin

He governs the skin.
A weak Budha can cause skin diseases.

Budha and Planning

A strong Budha gives good planning skills.
A weak Budha leads to poor planning and miscalculations.

Budha in Different Houses (Detailed Effects)

Budha's House	Effects
1st House	Good intelligence, good speech, interest in worldly affairs, active and alert.
2nd House	Good speech, respect for speech, father's respect, family prosperity, good wealth.
3rd House	Many younger siblings (possibly twins), good longevity, business acumen. Dual-natured in speech. Strong desire for sensual pleasures. Delayed childbirth.
4th House	Good education, help from maternal uncle, good income from vehicles, opportunities to buy property, good friends.
5th House	Good at writing poetry, excellent orator, high positions through government, influence through elders, knowledge of various arts.
6th House	Help from maternal uncle, protective of family, may avoid conflicts, but can be argumentative.
7th House	Good, beautiful wife, income through wife, good business connections, interest in arts, good longevity, may marry uncle's daughter.
8th House	Obstacles in education, lack of maternal uncle's help, if strong, wealth through inheritance.
9th House	Good wealth, children's fortune, charm and charisma in speech, highly educated, helps in higher education.
10th House	Government employment, accumulation of property, profit in business, luxury items, multiple businesses, help from maternal uncle in business.
11th House	Great wealth, income through women, help from elder siblings, good friends.
12th House	Lack of education, hardships in life, connections with unfortunate women, trouble through women, good detective skills.

The Temple Legend of Thiruvenkadu

According to the Valmiki Ramayana, this temple has been known for over 3000 years. It is considered the primary remedial center for Budha. The planet Mercury, known as Budha, is considered to bestow intelligence, knowledge, and wealth upon its devotees.

The Temple's Equivalence to Kashi

The temple is considered equivalent to Kashi (Varanasi) for performing Shraddha (ancestral rites).
Any karmic rituals performed here are as powerful as those performed in Kashi.

The Unique Features

The temple has three deities, three sacred tanks, and three sacred trees.
It is the only temple with a shrine for Agara Moorthy.
It is one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams (seven sacred places of the cosmic dance).
The temple is also known as Aadi Chidambaram because of the cosmic dance performed here.

Budha's Association with Art and Culture

Budha is the lord of arts, music, and dance.
Musicians, actors, and film artists worship Budha for success in their fields.
A strong Budha brings success in the entertainment industry.

The Legend of the Sacred Ash

The temple's Thiru Chathurundai (sacred ash) is known for its healing properties. The ash is collected from the Jatayu Kundam (a sacred pit) and mixed with the water from the Sitthamirtha Theertham. It is then offered to the deity and distributed to devotees as a remedy for diseases.