A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1761

c5.1761

SUKRA. The planet Venus and its regent. Sukra was son of Bhrigu and priest of Bali and the Daityas (Daitya-guru). He is also called the son of Kavi. His wife’s name was Susumā or Sata-parwā. His daughter Devayānī married Yayāti of the Lunar race, and her husband’s infidelity induced Sukra to curse him. Sukra is identified with Usanas, and is author of a code of law. The Hari-vansa relates that he went to Siva and asked for means of protecting the Asuras against the gods, and for obtaining his object he performed “a painful rite, imbibing the smoke of chaff with his head downwards for a thousand years.” In his absence the gods attacked the Asuras and Vishnu killed his mother, for which deed Sukra cursed him “to be born seven times in the world of men.” Sukra restored his mother to life, and the gods being alarmed lest Sukra’s penance should be accomplished, Indra sent his daughter Jayantī to lure him from it. She waited upon him and soothed him, but he accomplished his penance and afterwards married her. Sukra is known by his patronymic Bhārgava, and also as Bhrigu. He is also Kavi or Kāvya, ‘the poet.’ The planet is called Āsphujit, ‘Aφροδίτη; Maghā-bhava, son of Maghā; Shodasānsu, ‘having sixteen rays;’ and Sweta, ‘the white.’