How to Worship Mercury (Budh) in Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide
In Hinduism, Mercury is worshiped as Budh, one of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) believed to influence human lives based on astrological alignments. Mercury symbolizes intelligence, communication, logic, and commerce. Worshiping Budh is especially beneficial for those facing issues related to education, business, or speech. Here’s a step-by-step eco-friendly guide on how to perform Budh Puja.
1. Preparation and Cleanliness
In Hindu rituals, cleanliness is of utmost importance.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning before sunrise, wearing freshly washed clothes.
- Altar Cleanliness: Clean the space where you will conduct the puja. Ensure it is dust-free, and the altar or platform is wiped with clean water (you can add a pinch of turmeric to water for purification).
- Eco-friendly Products: Use natural incense, biodegradable flowers, clay lamps (diya), and cotton wicks to ensure an eco-friendly environment.
- Clothing: Wear green-colored clothes, as green is associated with Mercury. Prefer cotton or organic materials that are environmentally friendly.
2. Time and Day for Worship
- The best day to worship Mercury is Wednesday (Budhwar), as the planet is named after this day.
- The most auspicious time is early morning during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM) or any time during the day, before sunset.
3. Puja Items Required (Eco-friendly)
All the items should be sourced naturally and ensure minimal harm to the environment.
- Green cloth or silk to drape the idol or picture of Budh.
- Green-colored fruits like green grapes, pears, or guava.
- Eco-friendly incense sticks (made from natural herbs).
- Ghee (clarified butter) for the clay lamps (diya).
- Tulsi (holy basil) leaves for offerings.
- Flowers: White or green flowers (avoid plastic or artificial flowers).
- A small green gemstone or emerald if you have one.
- Natural sandalwood paste, turmeric, and raw rice for applying to the deity’s image.
- Copper or silver vessels for water and milk.
- Rice: Avoid using plastic bags; store them in organic cotton bags.
- Betel leaves and nuts: Use eco-friendly materials for wrapping betel leaves.
- A sacred thread (Janeu) if you wear it.
- Akshata: Unbroken rice mixed with turmeric.
4. Simple Steps for Budh Puja
a) Setting Up the Altar
- Set up the altar on a clean wooden or brass platform.
- Place an image or an idol of Lord Budh (Mercury) on a green cloth.
b) Lighting the Lamp
- Light an eco-friendly diya (clay lamp) filled with ghee and place it in front of the deity.
- Light eco-friendly incense sticks (prefer those made of natural flowers and herbs).
c) Invocation of Lord Budh
- Chant a simple prayer to invite Lord Budh to the altar. You can say:
- "Om Budhaya Namaha" (I bow to Lord Mercury).
d) Offering to Budh
- Offer green fruits, flowers, betel leaves, and tulsi to the deity.
- Apply sandalwood paste and turmeric to the idol.
- Offer water and Akshata (turmeric rice) in a copper vessel.
- You may also offer green clothes or green-colored gemstones like emerald.
e) Prayers and Mantras
Chant the Budh Mantra:
"Om Bram Breem Broum Sah Budhaya Namah"
This mantra helps to invoke the blessings of Lord Mercury for wisdom, communication skills, and prosperity.
Recite the Budha Stotram for better understanding and concentration:
"Priyangukalikashyamam Rupena Prathimam Budham Soumyam Soumya Gunopetam Tam Budham Pranamamyaham"
Translation: "I bow down to Mercury, who is dark as a bud of a black rose, of pleasing appearance, intelligent, and possessing a calm and kind nature."
f) Offering Prasad
- Prepare green-colored Prasad, like green moong dal (green gram) or sweet rice pudding with cardamom. Ensure that the Prasad is freshly made with eco-friendly utensils.
g) Aarti
- Conclude the puja by performing Aarti with the ghee lamp, moving it in a circular motion in front of the deity while chanting praises or playing soft instrumental music.
5. How to Conclude the Puja
- Bow down to Lord Budh and seek blessings for wisdom and clarity of thought.
- Distribute the Prasad among family members or offer it to animals or birds (as it is eco-friendly).
- Wash your hands and feet before concluding the puja.
6. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items
In an eco-friendly puja, it is important to dispose of materials respectfully:
- Flowers and leaves can be composted or returned to the soil. Avoid throwing them in rivers or lakes.
- Remaining Prasad can be consumed by family members, given to neighbors, or fed to birds.
- Lamp ashes can be scattered in your garden or plants.
- Diya wicks can also be composted if made from natural cotton.
- Eco-friendly incense ash can be sprinkled at the base of plants.
7. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Mercury (Budh)
- Improved Communication: Budh governs speech and intellect, enhancing clarity in communication.
- Boosts Intellect: Worshiping Mercury helps sharpen memory, learning, and academic success.
- Business Growth: As Mercury governs commerce, praying to Budh helps in career growth, particularly for those in business, marketing, or communication.
- Calm and Balanced Mind: Worshiping Budh aids in balancing emotional health and calming a restless mind.
Worshiping Budh (Mercury) is a simple, yet spiritually enriching practice that can bring clarity of thought, prosperity, and intelligence. By using eco-friendly products and following traditional methods, you can connect with the divine while also showing respect for nature. May Lord Budh bless you with knowledge, wisdom, and happiness!