A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.334

c5.334

BUDHA. ‘Wise, intelligent.’ The planet Mercury, son of Soma, the moon, by Rohinī, or by Tārā, wife of Brihaspati. (*See Brihaspati.*) He married Ilā, daughter of the Manu Vaivaswata, and by her had a son, Purūravas. Budha was author of a hymn in the *Rig-veda*. (*See Ilā.*) From his parents he is called Saumya and Rauhineya. He is also called Praharshana, Rodhana, Tunga, and Syāmānga, ‘black-bodied.’ The intrigue of Soma with Tārā was the cause of a great quarrel, in which the gods and the Asuras fought against each other. Brahmā compelled Soma to give up Tārā, and when she returned to her husband she was pregnant. A son was born, who was so beautiful that Brihaspati and Soma both claimed him. Tārā for a long time refused to tell his paternity, and so excited the wrath and nearly incurred the curse of her son. At length, upon the command of Brahmā, she declared Soma to be the father, and he gave the boy the name of Budha. This name is distinct from Buddha.