Budha Gayatri Mantra (Mercury Gayatri)
बुध गायत्री मंत्र
Also known as: om gajadhwajaya vidmahe sukahastaya dhimahi · budha gayatri · mercury gayatri mantra · budh gayatri mantra
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✦ Meaning
The Budha Gayatri Mantra is the Vedic Gayatri-meter prayer to Budha (Mercury), the planet of intelligence, speech, learning and commerce among the Navagraha. Addressed as the elephant-bannered, parrot-bearing wise one, Mercury is invoked to sharpen and illumine the intellect. It is chanted for wisdom, eloquence, sharp memory, success in study and business, and to strengthen a weak Mercury.
Origin & Story
The Gayatri mantra of Budha (Mercury), among the Navagraha Gayatris · Traditional (Vedic)
Each of the nine planets (Navagraha) has its own Gayatri — a prayer in the sacred Gayatri meter invoking that graha to bestow its blessings and illumine the intellect. The Budha Gayatri invokes Mercury, the planet of intelligence, speech and learning, depicted with an elephant on his banner and a parrot in his hand. As the lord of wit, eloquence and commerce, Mercury is honoured through this mantra in the timeless pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat," especially on Wednesdays and before study or trade.
✦ As told in scripture
Because Mercury governs intellect and speech, students and merchants troubled by a weak Budha are traditionally counselled to chant the Budha Gayatri on Wednesdays; devotees report sharper memory, clearer expression and better fortune in studies and business through its steady recitation.
The Mantra
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ॐ गजध्वजाय विद्महे शुकहस्ताय धीमहि । तन्नो बुधः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Gajadhwajaya Vidmahe Sukahastaya Dhimahi. Tanno Budhah Prachodayat.
Meaning:Om. May we know the one whose banner bears the elephant; may we meditate upon the one holding a parrot; may that Budha (Mercury) inspire and illumine our minds.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Budha Gayatri Mantra (Mercury Gayatri)
The Gayatri mantra of Budha (Mercury) among the nine planets (Navagraha) — invoked to strengthen Mercury
Chanted for intelligence, sharp memory, eloquent speech and clarity of thought, the domains of Mercury
Sought for success in study, examinations, writing, communication, trade and business
Helps pacify a weak or afflicted Mercury, which governs the intellect and nervous system in Jyotisha
As a Gayatri, it illumines the intellect along the timeless pattern Vidmahe-Dhimahi-Prachodayat
Especially powerful on Wednesday (Budhavar), Mercury's own day, and at the sandhya times
How to Chant Budha Gayatri Mantra (Mercury Gayatri)
After a bath, sit facing east or north with a calm mind and chant "Om Gajadhwajaya Vidmahe Sukahastaya Dhimahi. Tanno Budhah Prachodayat" 108 times on a mala. Wednesday is the special day of Mercury; green is its colour, and offering green moong, green flowers and durva grass is traditional. Like all Gayatri mantras it is ideally recited at the sandhya times. It is especially fitting before study, writing, examinations or business, and may be made part of a daily Navagraha or Gayatri sadhana.