The Birth of Budha

The Devi Bhagavata recounts that Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, had a beautiful wife named Tara.

One day, Tara encountered the radiant Chandra (the Moon god) and fell deeply in love with him.

Chandra, being Brihaspati’s disciple, made Tara’s desire sinful in the eyes of the gods.

But her passion was so intense that Chandra’s own heart ignited and he abducted Tara.

When Brihaspati learned of this, he demanded her return.

Both rivals were ready for a deadly duel, with neither willing to yield.

The gods intervened and forced Chandra to return Tara to her lawful husband.

By this time, Tara was pregnant by Chandra.

When the child was born, Brihaspati — captivated by the boy’s intelligence and charm — accepted him as his own son.

The child was named Budha.

Budha’s Love Story

Budha grew into an exceptionally handsome young man.

He was loved by Ila, who had once been the king Sudhyumna before being transformed into a woman.

From their union was born Pururavas, the famed founder of the Lunar Dynasty.

The Sabha Parva says that

“the radiant and splendid Budha takes his place in Brahma’s celestial assembly.”

Budha as Teacher and Protector

Budha mastered all Vedic sciences under the guidance of Brihaspati, whom he accepted as his spiritual teacher.

Budha is the only Vaishnava (devotee of the Supreme Lord) among the planetary gods.

He is the guardian of Vaishnavas — those who seek divine love and practise Bhakti Yoga.

Budha also protects astrologers and gives the ability to understand the spiritual, transcendent aspect of knowledge — jnana — leading seekers towards a genuine spiritual teacher.

Mercury embodies both the student and the path of learning itself — Budha symbolises curiosity, intellect, and the quest for higher wisdom.