A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 11 Mercury (Budha): Budha has four hands and rides on a chariot or Lion. Out of which, three of his hands holds a sword, a shield and a mace and the fourth hand is in a mudra. The Mantras and meanings: Priyangu Kalikaa Shyamam Rupenaa Pratimam Budham Sowmyam Sowmya Guno Petam Tam Budham Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Mercury, who has a dark blue complexion and whose beauty is incomparable. He possesses gentle, charming qualities. Gemstone is emerald. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Mercury (Budha) – communication. — Thursday Calendar and Hindu astrology: Budha is the root of the word 'Budhavara' or Wednesday in the Hindu calendar. The word "Wednesday" in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also dedicated to planet Mercury - "day of Woden or Oden". Budha is part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system, considered benevolent, associated with an agile mind and memory. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. The classical planets, including Mercury, were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE. The Navag raha was furthered by additional contributions from Western Asia, including Zoroastrian and Hellenistic influences. The Yavanajataka, or Science of the Yavanas, was written by the Indo-Greek named "Yavanesvara" under the rule of the Western Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I.