Shukra (/ˈʃuːkrə/ SHOO-krə; Sanskrit: शुक्र, IAST: Śukra) is a Sanskrit word that means "clear" or "bright". It also has other meanings, such as the name of a sage who was the preceptor of the asuras and taught them the Vedas. In mythology and Hindu astrology, the word refers to the planet Venus, one of the Navagrahas.