Navagrahas-Shukra Venus

Shukra (Venus)

Planetary Attributes of Shukra

Attribute	Details
Name	Shukra (Venus)
Caste	Brahmin
Other Names	Kangan, Asuramandhiri, Uchanan, Bhargavan, Kangan, Velli, Palingu, Pugar, Kavi, Mazhaikozh
Color	White
Wife	Sukirthi, Urjasvathi
Nature	Feminine (Stri Graha)
Element	Water (Ap Graha)
Gemstone	Diamond
Flower	White Lotus
Quality	Benefic
Deity	Lakshmi, Indrani
Prathyathi Devata	Indra
Shape	Pentagon (Aingonam)
Region	Kambhoja
Sacrificial Wood	Aththi (Fig)
Direction	East
Taste	Sweet
Metal	Silver
Vahana (Mount)	Garuda / Crocodile
Disease	Cold-related ailments
Grain	Moochai (Cowpea)
Nadi	Sleshma Nadi (Phlegm)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Wife/Marriage, Pleasure
Zodiac Sign (Own)	Rishabam (Taurus), Thulam (Libra)
Debilitation (Neecha)	Kanni (Virgo)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Meenam (Pisces)
Moolatrikona	Thulam (Libra)
Body Parts	Face
Own Nakshatras	Barani (Bharani), Pooram (Purva Phalguni), Pooradam (Purva Ashadha)
Gender	Female
Direction	East
Mahadasha Period	20 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	1 Month
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Indra Dhanush
Friends	Budha, Shani, Rahu
Enemies	Surya, Chandra
Neutral	Mangal, Guru
Sacred Temple	Kanjanur (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple)
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thirupperai
Avatar of Vishnu	Parasurama
Benefits	Marriage, auspiciousness, removal of infertility
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Ghee Rice
Season	Not specified
Weekday	Friday
Dates	6, 15, 24
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	N
Symbol	Light
Social Role	Priest/Teacher
Authority	Minister
Element	Water
Representation	Wife
Languages	Sanskrit
Gotra	Bhargava Gotra
Raga	Mekanam

Origin (Birth) of Shukra

Shukra (Venus) is the sixth planet among the Navagrahas. He is the son of Sage Bhrigu (one of the seven great sages) and his wife Khyati. He is also known as Bhargavan (son of Bhrigu) and Kavi (the poet/wise one).

Shukra and Lord Shiva

• Shukra is a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
• He received the powerful "Amritha Sanjeevani" mantra from Lord Shiva, which has the power to revive the dead.
• He is white in color and is depicted riding a Garuda (eagle) or a crocodile.
• He became the guru (teacher) of the Asuras (demons) and is known as Shukracharya.

Shukra's Birth (Alternate Story)

According to some traditions, Shukra is the son of Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. He was born with a brilliant radiance and was destined to become a great teacher.

Significance of Shukra in Astrology

Shukra (Venus) is the significator of:

• Marriage and partnerships
• Love and romance
• Beauty, art, and aesthetics
• Music, dance, and acting
• Luxury and comfort
• Vehicles and possessions
• Jewelry and adornments
• Perfumes and fragrances
• Wealth and prosperity

Shukra's Aspect

Shukra has only one aspect: the 7th house. This aspect is very important for marriage and partnership matters.

Shukra and the Arts

Shukra is the lord of the 64 arts. He governs:

• Cinema and theater
• Music and dance
• Painting and sculpture
• Literature and poetry
• Fashion and design
• Advertising and marketing

Shukra's Details

• Own Signs: Rishabam (Taurus), Thulam (Libra)
• Exaltation: Meenam (Pisces)
• Debilitation: Kanni (Virgo)
• Own Nakshatras: Barani (Bharani), Pooram (Purva Phalguni), Pooradam (Purva Ashadha)

Shukra's Relationship with Other Planets

• Friends: Budha, Shani, Rahu
• Enemies: Surya, Chandra
• Neutral: Mangal, Guru

Effects of Shukra in Various Ascendants/Rasis

Ascendant/Rasi	Yoga/Effect Provided by Shukra
Mesha (Aries)	Yogas through eloquence, storytelling, poetry, and writing.
Rishabam (Taurus)	Fame through dance, music, and performing arts.
Mithunam (Gemini)	Sudden fortune. Yogas through children. Political and authoritative positions.
Kataka (Cancer)	Yogas through home, land, vehicles, and education.
Kanni (Virgo)	All kinds of wealth. Profit from ancestral property.
Thulam (Libra)	Rajayoga (royal status) through music, speech, cinema, and television.
Makaram (Capricorn)	Yogas through children. Starting new businesses. Titles and high positions.
Kumbam (Aquarius)	Yogas through education, vehicles, and land.

General Rules:

• Shukra should not be debilitated, nor placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

• Shukra should not be associated with the lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

Effects of Shukra in Different Houses (Bhavas)

Shukra's House	Effects
1st House (Lagna)	Charismatic personality, attractive. Men are drawn to women (and vice versa). Good friendships with the opposite sex. Beautiful spouse.
2nd House	Good and sweet speech. Good income. Lucky individual. Many women in the family. Good wealth.
3rd House	Short-distance travel. Quick communication. Income from women. Many younger sisters. Enjoyment of sensual pleasures.
4th House	Luxurious home. Good communication skills. Happy life. Good vehicles. Opportunities in the automobile or travel industry. Favors from relatives.
5th House	Immersion in arts. Good education. Many female children. Jobs in government. Sudden financial gains. Ishta Devata (personal deity) may be a Goddess (Amman). Worship Lakshmi.
6th House	Diminishing wealth. Troubles from enemies. Problems through women. Diseases in the private parts. Cheated by women. Conflicts arising from women.
7th House	Attractive and charismatic spouse. Beautiful wife. Strong desire. Rich and wealthy. Connections with many women. Can cause Shukra Dosha (affliction in marriage). Those associated with him/her are mostly women.
8th House	Long life. Aspects 2nd house, so income is good. Can create obstacles in marriage (Shukra Dosha).
9th House	Strong spiritual inclination. Success in higher education. Good income. Good relationship with father. Good through wife. Overall comfortable life.
10th House	Strong interest in the arts. Can start a business in the arts. Income through women. Success in arts-related competitions. Profit through friends.
11th House	Good profit. Benefit through elder sisters. Profits multiply. Profit through women. Connections with many women. Friends help. Income through arts.
12th House	Financial loss through women. Difficulties in business. Income exists but spends excessively on pleasure. Listens to wife's words.

Shukra's Role in Society

• Shukra is the teacher of the Asuras (demons), while Guru is the teacher of the Devas.
• Because of this, Shukra and Guru are considered enemies.
• Shukra governs all forms of pleasure, luxury, and comfort.
• He is the significator of marriage, beauty, and the arts.

Shukra and Marriage

• Shukra is the primary significator of marriage (Kalathra Karaka).
• A strong Shukra is essential for a happy and harmonious married life.
• He governs love, romance, and sexual pleasure.

Shukra and Wealth

• Shukra is the significator of wealth and prosperity.
• He governs luxury items, vehicles, and property.
• A strong Shukra brings material comforts and financial success.

Shukra and the Arts

• Shukra is the lord of the 64 arts.
• He governs music, dance, drama, painting, and sculpture.
• Those with a strong Shukra excel in creative and artistic fields.

Shukra and Adornments

• Shukra governs jewelry, cosmetics, and fragrances.
• A strong Shukra ensures that one can afford these luxuries.

Shukra and Women

• Shukra represents women in a man's horoscope.
• A strong Shukra indicates a good relationship with women, including one's spouse, mother, and sisters.

Shukra and Vehicles

• Shukra is the significator of vehicles.
• A strong Shukra brings good vehicles and comfortable transportation.

Shukra and Medicine

• Shukra is associated with the reproductive system and fertility.
• A strong Shukra ensures good health and vitality.

Worship and Remedies for Shukra

Temples for Shukra

• Kanjanur: This is the primary temple for Shukra remedies (near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district).
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: Lord Ranganatha is worshipped as Shukra himself.
• Thirupperai: One of the Nava Thirupathis (nine sacred Vishnu temples), this is a Shukra Sthalam.

Shukra Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Shukra Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Rajadhapaya Vidhmahe Bhrigu Suthaya Dheemahi Thanno Shukra Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Kam Reem Um Shukra Devaya Nama"

Rituals

• Observe a fast on Fridays.
• In Amman (Goddess) and Andal temples, offer Moochai Sundal (cowpea snack) to devotees and the poor.
• Offer white-colored items (such as white clothes, sweets, or grains).
• Donate items like ghee, milk, or silver.

Shukra Gayatri Mantra Variations

"Om Ashwa Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Dhanur Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Shukra Prachodayath"

"Om Daithyacharyaya Vidhmahe Swathavarnaya Dheemahi Thanno Shukra Prachodayath"

"Om Bhargavaya Vidhmahe Daithyacharyaya Dheemahi Thanno Shukra Prachodayath"

"Om Daithyayujyaya Vidhmahe Bhrigu Puthraya Dheemahi Thanno Shukra Prachodayath"

Kanjanur Temple (The Shukra Temple)

Location: Kanjanur is located in the Thanjavur district, near Kumbakonam. The temple is known as the Agneeswarar Temple (also called Kanjanur).

Significance

• This temple is dedicated to Shukra (Venus).
• The main deity here is Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar, with the goddess Karpagambigai.
• Shukra has a separate shrine in this temple.

Temple Legends and Specialties

• This temple is also known as Parasarapuram, Brahmapuri, Agnipuram, and Kamchapuram.
• It is one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams (seven sacred places of the cosmic dance).
• The temple has a Raja Gopuram (main tower) with five tiers.

The Deities

• Lord Shiva: Agneeswarar (Swayambhu Linga with a tall stature).
• Goddess: Karpagambigai (seen in a beautiful wedding form).
• Shukra: Has a separate shrine.

The Sacred Trees

• Sthala Vriksham: Balasu (Palash tree).

The Sacred Tanks

• Agni Theertham
• Parasara Theertham

Temple Festivals

• Masi Magam
• Thai Thingal (Harathathar Darshan)
• Aadi Pooram
• Thiruvathirai
• Navarathri
• Sivaratri

The Story of Haradathar

A Vaishnava child named Sudarshanar was born in Kanjanur. Despite being born in a Vaishnava family, he was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. He wore sacred ash (Thiruneeru) and rudraksha beads. His father tried to dissuade him, but the child refused. The villagers challenged him to sit on a red-hot iron tripod and declare that Shiva was the Supreme Being. The child did so and was unharmed, proving his devotion. Lord Shiva appeared as Dakshinamoorthy and blessed the child with the name Haradathar.

The Story of the Wealthy Man

A wealthy man in Kanjanur offered daily food to Lord Agneeswarar. Every night, the Lord would appear in his dream and eat the food. One day, the Lord did not appear in his dream. The wealthy man was worried. He learned that the Lord had gone to Haradathar's house in the form of a poor Brahmin and had eaten his humble kanji (gruel), filling his stomach. The wealthy man then went to Haradathar and sought his blessings.

The Story of the Gourd Seller

A devotee in Kanjanur sold gourds for a living. He had only one gourd left, which he wanted to save for seeds. The Lord appeared to him as a guest and asked for food. The devotee was worried because gourds were not suitable for cooking. The Lord told him through an oracle to use half for seeds and half for cooking. The devotee did so and was blessed. He came to be known as "Suraikkai Bhaktar" (the gourd devotee).

The Story of the Stone Nandi

A poor Brahmin accidentally threw a bundle of grass, which killed a cow calf. The other Brahmins considered him a sinner and shunned him. He went to Haradathar for help. Haradathar said that chanting the Panchakshara mantra (Namasivaya) would absolve the sin. The Brahmins demanded proof. Haradathar told the Brahmin to bathe in the Kaveri River and bring a blade of grass to the stone Nandi. If Nandi ate the grass, it would prove the mantra's power. The Brahmin did so, and the stone Nandi ate the grass! (This is why the Nandi's tongue is not protruding out).

Special Features

• The temple has a shrine for Haradathar performing Shiva Puja.
• The temple has a shrine for Maanakkanjarar and Kalikkamar.
• The Natarajar in the temple is called Mukthi Thandavam (the dance of liberation).
• The temple is also known for the story of Kalikamar, who was married here.

Historical Significance

• The temple has inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagara periods.
• It is the 36th temple on the northern bank of the Kaveri River that is praised in the Thevaram hymns.

Shukra and the Story of Mahabali

Shukra is famous for protecting the demon king Mahabali. When Lord Vishnu came as Vamana (the dwarf) to trick Mahabali, Shukra tried to warn him. He even lost one of his eyes in the process of protecting his devotee. This shows Shukra's dedication to his followers.

Shukra's Number and Gemstone

A person born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th of any month falls under the influence of the number 6, which is ruled by Shukra. The recommended gemstone for such individuals is the Diamond.

Summary of Shukra's Attributes

• Day: Friday
• Color: White
• Metal: Silver
• Gemstone: Diamond
• Grain: Cowpea (Moochai)
• Vahana: Garuda / Crocodile
• Direction: East
• Element: Water
• Dasha Period: 20 Years
• Transit Period: 1 Month

Shukra in Popular Culture

• The saying "Avanukku Enna? Shukra Dhanam" (What does he have? It's Shukra's gift!) refers to someone who is incredibly lucky and prosperous.
• Shukra is associated with love, beauty, and all forms of pleasure.

Similar Posts : The two faces of Venus in human life, Placement of Venus in the 7th house, Navagrahas-Shani Saturn, Navagrahas-Surya-The Sun, Moon and Venus Conjunction Effects in Vedic Astrology,

See Also:Navagrahas Shukra Venus