The planet Venus is known as Sukra in Vedic astrology. According to Hindu Astrology Shukra or Venus is a part of the nine planets or navagrahas and considered a benefic planet. In astrology, the planet of Venus is considered to be the guru of demons. Hence, Venus is also thought to be associated with luxuries and materialistic comforts. Venus takes one year to complete the Zodiac cycle staying one month in each Rasi. Sukra means "white", or "bright" in Sanskrit. Venus rules over the signs Taurus and Libra. It is exalted in Pisces and in its fall in Virgo. The planets Mercury and Saturn are considered friendly to Shukra and the Sun and Moon are enemies. In astrology Venus is the natural signification of spouse, happiness, sexual sciences, poetry, flowers, youth, ornaments, silver, vehicles, luxuries and different forms of emotions among other things. In the body he rules over the reproductive system, eyes, throat, chin, cheeks and kidneys. An individual with strong Venus in Horoscope is likely to appreciate nature and enjoy harmonious relationship. Venus is the lord of three Nakshatras or lunar mansions. Venus also rules number 6 in Indian numerology. Shukra Dasha remains active in a person's horoscope for 20 years and is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury to a person's life if they have Venus positioned well in their horoscope. Any type of prosperity is the result of Shukra's blessing. A broken marriage, ill-repute, excess expenditure, kidney problem, diabetics, throat infection are the results of Venus in a malignant position. Shukra is associated with a month in the Hindu calendar called Jyeshtha. The metals associated with Venus are copper and silver and gemstone is Diamond. His ruling day is Friday and he is the guardian of the south-east direction.

As a God Shukra is the Guru of Asuras. According to Hindu scriptures, he is the son Sage Bhrigu and his wife Usha. Lord Shukra is pictured as a fair god. He has four hands, and is seated on a white lotus. Shukracharyas chariot is pulled by eight flaming horses. In appearance, He is medium-sized with a broad chest, powerful shoulders and long hands. His curly hair is dark and short. Shukra overflows with virility and is intelligent, handsome and sensuous. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow.He is an expert in every form of learning, including the Sanjivini Vidya which is the knowledge of resurrecting the dead. Shukracharya is the Lord of the Earth's wealth like metals, minerals, herbs, sacred and divine knowledge.

Remedies for a Malefic Venus

• Worship Goddess Durga and recite Shree Sooktam or Devi stuti or Durga chalisa.
• Donate Silver, gold, rice, ghee, white apparel, white sandalwood, diamonds, white horses, curds, sugar or cow to a poor young woman on Friday.
• Bathing the idol of Lakshmi with Panchamrit will please Venus. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi with white flowers and sandalwood paste regularly will appease Venus.
• Keep fast on Fridays especially during Venus transits and major or minor Venus periods.
• Wear Diamond.
• Wear a 6 mukhi Rudraksha Bead and 13 Mukhi Rudraksha Bead.
• Chant the Shukra beeja mantra or stotra 16000 times in 40 days.

"Om Dram Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah"

"Om Shum Shukraya Namah"

Shukra Gayatri Mantra

Om Aswadhwajaaya Vidmahe
Dhanur hastaaya dheemahi
Tanno shukra prachodayaat

Navagraha Shukra Mantra

"Himkundmrinaalaabham Daityaanam Paramam Gurum

Sarvashastrapravaktaram Bhargavam Pranmaamyaham"

Meaning : I bow down to Shukra who is as white and fair as snow and who is the teacher of daithyas who are the enemies of Gods and who is knowledged of all scriptures.