Budha

Budha (Sanskrit: बुध) is the Hindu deity of the planet Mercury, revered as the god of intelligence, wisdom, and commerce. He is the son of Chandra (the Moon god) and Rohini, as narrated in the Puranas. According to the Vishnu Purana (Book 4, Chapter 6), Budha was born from the union of Chandra and Rohini, and he later married Ila, the daughter of Vaivasvata Manu. This lineage establishes Budha as an ancestor of the Lunar dynasty (Chandravamsha). In Vedic literature, Mercury is mentioned as a planet in the Jyotisha Vedanga, but the Puranic texts elaborate his mythology and iconography. Iconographically, Budha is depicted with a green complexion, symbolizing the planet's association with the Earth element and growth.

He is typically shown with four arms holding a sword, shield, mace, and in abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), seated on a lion or a chariot drawn by lions. The lion as his vahana (mount) signifies courage and royal authority. The Brihat Samhita (Chapter 3) describes Mercury as a benefic planet when strong, bestowing intelligence, eloquence, and skill in trade. A principal myth involving Budha is his role in the story of King Pururavas and the celestial nymph Urvashi, as recounted in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Chapter 75). Budha's son Pururavas became the first king of the Lunar dynasty, linking the deity to the royal lineage. In Hindu cosmology, Budha governs the intellectual faculties, communication, and commerce.

He is considered a neutral planet, with his influence depending on placement in the horoscope. Regional worship traditions include special pujas on Wednesdays (Budhavara), which are considered auspicious for starting new ventures in education and business. In South India, Budha is worshipped in Navagraha temples, such as the one at Tiruvenkadu in Tamil Nadu, where he is enshrined with his consort Ila. The Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) mentions the importance of propitiating Budha for overcoming obstacles in learning and speech. His mantra, 'Om Budhāya Namaḥ', is chanted for mental clarity and success in negotiations. As a graha, Budha represents the mind's agility and the power of discrimination, essential for spiritual and material progress.

The name Budha (Sanskrit: बुध) derives from the root √budh, meaning 'to wake, perceive, know, or understand,' thus signifying 'the intelligent one' or 'the wise.' This etymology aligns with his role as the deity of intellect and wisdom. Alternate names include Saumya ('son of Soma'), Rohiṇeya ('son of Rohiṇī'), and Praharṣaṇa ('the cheerful one').

In regional languages, he is known as Budhan (Tamil), Budha (Telugu, Kannada), and Budho (Gujarati). The term is distinct from Buddha, the enlightened one, though both share the same root.

The Nirukta (a Vedic etymological text) explains budha as 'one who awakens' or 'the awakened,' reinforcing his association with knowledge and mental agility.

Budha is first mentioned in the Vedic text Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa (c. 9th-8th century BCE), where he appears as a deity, though not yet in an astrological context. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa also references him.

In the Purāṇas, his mythology expands significantly. The Viṣṇu Purāṇa (Book 4, Chapter 6) narrates his birth from Candra (the Moon) and Rohiṇī, and his marriage to Ilā, daughter of Vaivasvata Manu, establishing him as an ancestor of the Lunar dynasty. The Mahābhārata (Ādi Parva, Chapter 75) recounts the story of his son Purūravas and the celestial nymph Urvaśī.

The Bṛhat Saṃhitā (Chapter 3) by Varāhamihira (6th century CE) describes Mercury's astrological characteristics. The Yavanajātaka (120 CE) by Yavaneśvara standardized Indian astrology, incorporating Budha into the Navagraha system. The Sūrya Siddhānta (5th-10th century CE) provides astronomical data on Mercury's revolutions and orbital parameters.

Budha is typically depicted with a green complexion, symbolizing the planet Mercury's association with the Earth element and growth. He wears yellow garments and ornaments.

In his four arms, he holds a sword (khaḍga), a shield (kheṭaka), a mace (gadā), and displays the abhaya mudrā (gesture of fearlessness). His vāhana (mount) is a lion or a chariot drawn by eight yellow horses, as described in the Bṛhat Saṃhitā.

In South Indian bronze icons, he is shown standing or seated on a lion, with a calm and benevolent expression. In North Indian miniature paintings, he is often depicted riding a chariot or a lion, with a green body and yellow attire.

The Śilpa-śāstras, such as the Mānasāra, prescribe these features. A dhyāna-śloka describes him as 'green-bodied, clad in yellow, holding a sword, shield, and mace, and seated on a lion.' Regional variations include the number of arms (sometimes two) and the presence of a book or rosary instead of weapons.

In Hindu theology, Budha represents the planet Mercury and embodies intelligence, communication, and analytical thought. In the Advaita Vedānta tradition, Budha is seen as a manifestation of the cosmic intellect (buddhi), which is a reflection of the ultimate reality (Brahman).

In Viśiṣṭādvaita, he is a subordinate deity under Viṣṇu, governing the intellectual faculties of beings. In Dvaita, Budha is a distinct entity with specific astrological influences, as described by Madhvācārya in his commentaries on the Purāṇas.

In Śākta and Tantric traditions, Budha is associated with the element of earth (pṛthvī) and the chakra of the throat (viśuddhi), governing speech and knowledge. The Bṛhat Saṃhitā and the Yavanajātaka detail his astrological attributes, where he is considered a neutral planet, bestowing wisdom and prosperity when favorable, and causing anxiety when afflicted.

His role in the Navagraha system integrates him into the broader cosmology of time and karma.

Budha's influence extends into various cultural domains. In classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi, the Navagraha are often invoked in dance-dramas, with Budha depicted as a green-complexioned deity. In Carnatic music, compositions such as 'Budham āśrayāmi' by Muthuswami Dikshitar praise him.

In Hindustani music, the rāga Budha is associated with Wednesday. In painting, Tanjore and Mysore traditions depict Budha with a green face and yellow robes, often in a chariot. In folk traditions, Wednesdays are considered auspicious for starting education or business, and special pujas are performed.

The Navagraha temple at Tiruvenkadu in Tamil Nadu is a major pilgrimage site. In Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Cambodia, the planetary deity Phra Phut (Mercury) is worshipped, reflecting Hindu influence. The day Wednesday (Wan Phut in Thai) is associated with the color green.