The Budha Ashtottara Shata Namavali is a sacred hymn comprising 108 names of the planet Mercury (Budha), primarily sourced from the *Budha Ashtottara* text, which is part of the larger *Navagraha Ashtottara* tradition found in the *Brihat Samhita* and *Agni Purana*. Budha is the son of Chandra (the Moon) and Tara, and is considered the prince among planets. He is associated with the deity Vishnu in some Puranic accounts, as per the *Vishnu Purana* (Book 4, Chapter 6). The mantra is chanted to invoke Budha's blessings for enhanced intellect, eloquence, communication skills, business acumen, and relief from nervous system disorders.
Each name in the ashtottara encapsulates a specific attribute, such as 'Saumya' (gentle), 'Rohinaya' (one who delights in the asterism Rohini), and 'Bodhanaya' (the enlightener). The beej-akshara for Budha is 'Bam' (बं), which is often prefixed to the mantra 'Om Budhaya Namah'. Phonetically, the syllable 'Bu' represents the earth element and 'dha' denotes stability, aligning with Budha's role as a bestower of grounded wisdom. Traditional purposes include sharpening the mind, improving speech, success in trade and education, and overcoming mental dullness.
The recommended chanting context is on Wednesdays (Budhavara), ideally during the morning hours after bathing, facing east. The prescribed count is 108 repetitions (one mala) or 1008 for intensive sadhana, using a crystal or green-colored rudraksha mala. Ritual setting includes a clean altar with a green cloth, an image or yantra of Budha, and offerings of green items like moong dal, green flowers, or sandalwood paste. Cautions: The mantra should not be chanted without proper initiation for the full ashtottara, though the mula mantra 'Om Budhaya Namah' can be recited by all.
Those with weak Mercury in their horoscope should chant with devotion and avoid non-vegetarian food on chanting days. The *Mantra Mahodadhi* (Chapter 7) also discusses the efficacy of Budha mantras for pacifying Mercury-related afflictions.
Salutations to Budha (Mercury).
The beej-akshara for Budha is 'Bam' (बं), which is often prefixed to the mantra. 'Bu' represents the earth element and 'dha' denotes stability.