According to Indian astrology Mercury is the messenger between God and man. Mercury is referred to as Budh or Buddhi karaka. Mercury is the planet of intelligence and the IQ of a person depends on the strength of Mercury in the horoscope. The planet of Mercury represents logic, calculation and mathematics in astrological parlance. Mercury is in charge of trade commerce, sports, cinema and other artistic pursuits. Your speech patterns, communication style, sense of humor, quickness of thought etc depends on the position of Mercury in the Horoscope. Mercury owns the Zodiac Signs of Gemini and Virgo. The sign of exaltation of Mercury is Virgo and the sign of debilitation of Mercury is Pisces. When associated benefic planets mercury give honest ways and ideas of making money or increasing wealth. On the other hand if associated with malefic planets it produces some one who makes money through wrong ways like gambling, stealing, cheating etc. Qualities of good communication, intelligence, rationality, wit, shrewdness, judgment and flexibility are seen when Mercury is well placed. If Mercury is badly placed then health problems could include gastric problems, psychic diseases, insomnia, nervous breakdown, skin diseases, loss of memory or speech, deafness, asthma etc. In astrology, the planet of Mercury is also the natural signification of education, successful relationships, artistic talents and wealth, among other things. Budh mahadasha lasts for 17 years.

As a God, Budh is the most intelligent of all. He is a Vaishya by caste and has four arms and his vehicle is lion. He is the son of Som (Moon) and Tara. He is extremely learned and has a bright appearance. Saturn and Venus are his friends and Jupiter and Moon are enemies. Wednesday is the day of Budh and the emerald is his Gemstone.

Remedies for pleasing Budh

• Worship Lord Vishnu and chant his Sahasranama Stotra.

• Wear Emerald Gemstone.

• Keep Fast on Wednesdays.

• Wear 4 Mukhi or 10 mukhi Rudraksha Bead

• Donate emerald or any green gem, small green lentils, a green pumpkin, or green clothes to a poor student on Wednesday at noon.
• Chant Budha Mantra or Stotra 17000 times in 40 days starting Wednesday 2 hours after sun rise especially during major or minor Mercury periods.

The planetary deity Mercury is pleased when his mantras are chanted and gives the devotee increased health and intelligence.

Budha Beeja mantra

'Om bram breem broum sah Budhaya namah'

'Om bum budhaaya namah'

Budha Gayatri Mantra

'Om Gajadhwajaaya Vidmahae
Sukha Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Budha Prachodayaat'.

Budha Navagraha Mantra

'Priyam gukalikaashyaamam Rupenaam prathimam Budham

Saumyam Saumya gunorpetham tham Budham pranamaamyaham'.

Meaning : I bow down to Buddha who is dark and black like a black tulip, matchless in form of appearance and extraordinarily intelligent and wise being the son of Soma and endowed with pleasing and auspicious qualities