Original text
नाम मंत्र: ॐ बुं बुधाय नमः॥ बीज (तांत्रोक्त) मंत्र: ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः॥ बुध गायत्री मंत्र: ॐ चन्द्रपुत्राय विद्महे रोहिणीप्रियाय धीमहि। तन्नो बुधः प्रचोदयात्॥ प्रणाम श्लोक (नवग्रह स्तोत्र से): प्रियङ्गुकलिकाश्यामं रूपेणाप्रतिमं बुधम्। सौम्यं सौम्यगुणोपेतं तं बुधं प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Transliteration
Naam mantra: Om Bum Budhaya Namah. Beej (tantrokta) mantra: Om Bram Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah. Budh Gayatri: Om Chandraputraya Vidmahe Rohinipriyaya Dhimahi Tanno Budhah Prachodayat. Pranam shloka (from the Navagraha Stotra): Priyangukalikashyamam rupenapratimam budham Saumyam saumyagunopetam tam budham pranamamyaham.
Who Budh is
Budh is the planet Mercury, the "prince" among the grahas. In the Puranas he is the son of Chandra, the moon, and Tara — which is why his Gayatri calls him Chandraputra — and the father of Pururavas, from whom the lunar dynasty descends. His Navagraha Stotra verse describes him as "dark like the bud of the priyangu creeper, of matchless beauty, gentle and full of gentle qualities". His day is Wednesday and his colour green.
In jyotish, Budh governs the mind's quickness: speech, writing, calculation, memory, wit, trade, communication and the nervous system. Because he takes on the nature of whatever planet he sits with, a well-placed Budh is associated with eloquence and business sense, and an afflicted one with confusion, stammering, nervous strain or bad deals.
The mantras
- Naam mantra — ॐ बुं बुधाय नमः (Om Bum Budhaya Namah): the short daily mantra, with Bum as his seed syllable.
- Beej (tantrokta) mantra — ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः (Om Bram Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah): the mantra for a formal Budh anushthan.
- Budh Gayatri: "Om, may we know the son of Chandra, may we meditate on the beloved of Rohini; may Budh inspire us."
How to chant
- Begin on a Wednesday in shukla paksha, in the morning after bathing; green or light clothes are traditional.
- Sit facing north. Offer green moong, a few blades of durva, a green leaf or flower and a lamp; recite the pranam shloka.
- Chant at least one mala (108). The full traditional anushthan of the beej mantra is 9,000.
- On Wednesday, give green moong, green vegetables or a green cloth, or feed a cow some green fodder.
Since Budh is closely linked with Vishnu, many people combine his mantra with Vishnu worship, or with Ganesh worship on Wednesday — see Wednesday Ganesh Bhakti.
Benefits traditionally associated with it
These are jyotish beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes.
- Clear speech and writing, better memory and concentration in study and exams.
- Success in trade, accounts, communication, media, IT and any work done with the mind and tongue.
- Traditionally suggested when Mercury is combust, debilitated (in Pisces), or running a difficult dasha.
- Calm nerves and less overthinking — Budh's gift in its sattvic form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the beej mantra of Budh?
ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः (Om Bram Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah). The naam mantra is ॐ बुं बुधाय नमः.
Which day is best for the Budh mantra?
Wednesday. Begin on a Wednesday in shukla paksha.
How many times should the Budh mantra be chanted?
One mala (108) daily; the full traditional anushthan of the beej mantra is 9,000.
Why is Budh called the son of Chandra?
In the Puranas he is born of Chandra and Tara, Brihaspati's wife — a story that also explains the old rivalry between Budh and Guru in jyotish.
Is the Budh mantra good for students?
It is traditionally chanted for memory, concentration and clear expression, so many students use it alongside their studies.
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