Budha (Mercury)

Budha, known as the Mercury is the fourth among the Navagrahas, the nine planets. Budha is the ruler of Signs Virgo and Gemini, 3rd and 6th House in the natal chart. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the Mercury. Mercury takes around 1 year to travel through all 12 Zodiac signs. Mercury stays for 14 to 30 days in a sign depending on the motion.

Budha is the God of intelligence, communication, fine arts, humor and wit. He is also the God of merchandise and protector of merchants. The planet governs the nervous system. Worshipping Budha on Wednesday is the effective way to get his blessings.

Budha is the son of Chandra, the moon God. He is generally depicted with four hands, three of his hands holding a sword, a shield and a mace, while fourth one gestures dispensing boons. He rides an Eagle or a Chariot drawn by Lions.

According to the sacred text, Budha Ashtottara Shatanamavali which comprises of 108 names of Budha, Budha is treated as a bestower of happiness and intelligence. The text praises him as the God, who can cure all kinds of diseases.

The sacred text Budha Pancha Vimsathi Nama Stotram praises Budha as the best among the planets. It hails Budha as the chief among the wise, the giver of knowledge and wealth.

It says that rigorous worshipping of Budha can receive blessings for progeny, grains and cattle wealth. Moreover, it also says that Budha is the God of the stars and has power to stop the misdeeds of the enemies. The text compares the form of Budha to that of Lord Vishnu, one among the Trinity.

Budha is praised as an emblem of intelligence in the sacred Budha mantra. The text hails the qualities of the God as the most beautiful.

The sacred text Budha Kavacham describes Budha as pious and kind. The text also hails Budha as a guardian of health who offers protection from all kinds of diseases and sorrows. It is also believed that reciting or hearing the chants makes any person victorious.