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Mercury in Vedic astrology is known as BUDHA, the
awakened discriminating intellect and the part of us
that knows. Mercury is benefice if associated with
benefice grahas, and malefic is associated with malefic
grahas. He is known as grahapati, or lord of the
planets.
Mercury rules over two signs of the
sidereal zodiac, Gemini and Virgo. He is exalted in
Virgo at 15 degrees, and in his fall in the opposite
sign of Pisces. Where the Moon is the innocent mind,
Mercury is the intellect that discriminates between
benefic and malefic ideas, or good and evil.
The intellect is neutral and becomes
whatever it is associated with. Mercury is learned in
behavior. Mercury is a karaka or indicator of
intelligence, commerce, education, communication
writing, books, humor, scholars, thieves and
astrologers. Vedic sage Parasara describes him; "Mercury
is endowed with an attractive physique and the capacity
to use words with many meanings. He is fond of jokes..."
Mercury reaches full maturity at age 32.
In Vedic myth Mercury is born of the Moon. One myth
recounts how the Moon, overcome with lust, abducts Tara,
the wife of Brihaspati, or Jupiter. Out of their union
Budha, or Mercury is born. Thus the intellect is born of
the mind.
There is a relationship of enmity
between the Moon and Mercury that belies a deep truth.
The Moon is innocent in its observation, while Mercury
is evaluative and discriminating in its observation.
BUDHA or MERCURY is considered as the greatest among
the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth etc. on
his devotees. He removes evil thoughts from their minds.
He is the chief among GNANIS (realized souls). He is
considered Vishnu Rupi, because of his beauty and
resemblance. A prayer to Him, especially on Wednesdays
brings in manifold benefits like removal of all
obstacles, helps one to get a progeny, possession of
fertile lands etc.
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