Shukra (?????,???????
IAST Sukra), the
Sanskrit for "clear, pure" or "brightness, clearness", is the name the son of
Bhrgu and
Urjaswathi, and preceptor of the
Daityas, and the
guru of the
Asuras, identified with the planet
Venus, one of the
Navagrahas (with honorific, ???????????
Shukracharya). He presides over Shukravar (
Devanagari ????????) or Friday.
He is of white complexion, middle-aged and of agreeable countenance. He is described variously mounted on a camel, horse or crocodile. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow..[1]
He was a sage of Bhargava atharvan branch and descendant of sage Kavi. The feminic natured Shukra is a Brahminical planet. He was born on Friday in the year Paarthiva on Sraavana Suddha Ashtami when Swathi Nakshatra is on the ascent. Hence, Friday is known as Shukravaar in Indian languages especially Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi , Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese and Kannada. He went on to study Vedas under rishi Angirasa but he was disturbed by Angirasa's favouritism to his son Brihaspati. He then went to study under rishi Gautama. He later performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the Sanjivani mantra (a hymn that can revive the dead). He married Priyavratha's daughter Urjaswathi and gave birth to four sons — Chanda, Amarka, Twaashtra, Dharaatra and a daughter by name Devyani.
During this period Brihaspati became the Guru (Preceptor) of the divine people Devaa. Out of jealousy, Shukracharya decides to become the Guru of Asuras. He helps them achieve victory over the Devas and uses his magic to revive the dead and wounded Asuras.
