Mercury is the great messenger of the Gods. He is the planet that represents speech, communication, and commerce on all levels. In his lower function, he organizes and articulates material resources. On a higher level, he connects us with our inner capacities—the powers of the mind. The power of Mantras & Shlokas has been acknowledged since time immemorial. A Mantra can consist of a powerful word or a combination of words and can be used for self-realization, for freedom from worries, to fulfill one's desires, to ward off the effects of malefic planets, to bring you success, peace, and contentment—the range is truly vast. You can choose for yourself.

Mercury Mantras for Chanting

The following is the special name (nama) mantra for Mercury, preceded by its Shakti or power mantra. It can be used to connect with the planetary deity and to energize all the higher powers of Mercury.

"Om Aim bum budhaya Namah"
  The word 'Aim' in the above mantra denotes Vachana Shakti, the power of articulation, calling, guiding, and teaching.

The following mantras are also considered very good for the planet Mercury. You may opt to recite one of the following mantras if you find it comparatively easy to remember.

   
• "Om braam breem braum sah budhaya namah"
   
• "Om bum budhaaya namah"
 

The mantras are chanted on japa beads of 108 beads per string, similar to rosaries.

Recitation Rules and Practices

   
• Mercury's mantra may be recited 9,000 times within 21 days, and puja can be performed with various flowers.
   
• Begin recitation on a Wednesday during the bright half of the Moon.
   
• The presence of a 'Vishnu yantra' at the place of recitation may help you achieve the desired results faster.
 

Gayatri Mantra for Mercury

"Om budhagrahaya vidmahe, Indu putraya dhimahi, tanno somya prachodayat"

This Gayatri mantra consists of three parts. The first is the chants to Mercury. The second is the mantra proper. The third is a summary of the mantra's energies. The Gayatri mantra is chanted at sunrise, noon, and sunset. At dawn, it is called Gayatri, the youthful form of the Goddess, consort of Lord Brahma, the creator. It is called Savitri, the mature form, at noon, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is called Sarasvati, the elderly form, at sunset, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Other Powerful Mantras

You may also opt to chant the following puranic mantra for propitiating Mercury (4,000 times):

priyangava-gulikashyam rupena pratimambudam
saumyam saumya-gunopetam tani pranamamy aham

When translated into English, it means: "I bow down to Buddha, god of the planet Mercury, whose face is like a fragrant globe of the priyangu herb and whose beauty matches that of a lotus flower. He is most gentle, possessing all attractive qualities."

Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution, and effect.