ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

 

Brihaspati Avatar
Brhaspati, the deity of Jupiter, seethed with anger. He confronted Tara and Budha, saying, “You have brought disgrace upon our family.” Addressing them both, he pronounced a dire curse, “Budha, you shall never find a suitable spouse, condemned to a life of poverty and suffering. Tara, your fate shall mirror your son’s.”

Tara and Budha were consumed by dread at the weight of Brhaspati’s curse. They realized they had to find a way to break this curse, or their lives would be mired in perpetual suffering. Desperate, they sought assistance from the other Devatas, but none were willing to intervene in Brhaspati’s affairs.

In their desperation, Tara and Budha turned to Lord Shiva, beseeching his aid. Moved by their plea, Lord Shiva consented to make an attempt to lift the curse.

Do you know that the foundation of Chanakya’s politics lies in Brihaspati’s preliminary ideas? He is the guru of devas and the deity of wisdom, eloquence, and learning. As an avatar of Brahma, Brihaspati is responsible for guiding the gods in their quests for knowledge and spirituality. However, he also has a personal story that makes him best for the role of a Guru of devatas.

He is also associated with the planet Jupiter and is considered the teacher of the Vedas and one who holds a cosmic order called Rta. Brihaspati’s wisdom and counsel have played an essential role in Hinduism as they highlight the importance of a guru in one’s spiritual journey.

 

Lord Brihaspati Puja: Offer These Yellow Items On Thursday To Seek Lord’s Blessings
According to Hindu Mythology, planet Jupiter — also known as the Brihaspati or Guru among the nine planets — is considered the Dev Guru or the Teacher of the Gods. Brihaspati is responsible for eliminating darkness from one’s life. It is believed that worshipping Brihaspati brings joy, prosperity, good health, knowledge and prestige to one’s surroundings. Lord Jupiter controls the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, and it often controls the movements of various planets too. Lord Jupiter is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brihaspati is often associated with the colour yellow; thus, using the colour on Thursday is considered quite auspicious, as per Hindu Mythology. Let’s take a look at the yellow-coloured items that can be used to worship the Lord on Thursdays.

Wearing Yellow Clothes: Yellow is considered the colour of Lord Brihaspati. He is seen wearing yellow clothes, gold, and copper. According to Hindu mythology, waking up early in the morning, taking a bath with a pinch of turmeric in water, and wearing yellow-coloured clothes on Thursday is considered quite auspicious, as it is said that the person gets blessings from the Lord.

Using Yellow Flowers: According to Hindu scriptures, worshipping Lord Jupiter with yellow flowers brings prosperity to the lives of the devotee. It is advised that on Thursday, Lord Brihaspati should be offered yellow flowers after donning a tilak and offering the puja (ritual).

Making Yellow Dishes: On Thursdays, Lord Jupiter should be offered jaggery and chana (gram) along with the food. It is considered auspicious to offer the Lord food that is yellow. Mixing turmeric in the rotis or paranthas is also advised to the devotees.

Applying Yellow Tilak: After doing the morning puja, the devotee should apply yellow tilak made out of Chandan on their forehead. This not only keeps the mind cool but is also considered auspicious on Thursdays.

Worshipping Banana Tree: Worshipping Banana Tree on Thursday is considered auspicious and makes Lord Brihaspati happy. It is advised that the devotee should follow proper rituals like offering water, flowers, and fruits to the tree.

 

Brihaspati
According to Hindu Mythology the vedic deity Brihaspati or Jupiter is guru of the gods whereas Shukracharya is the guru of the Danavas. He is the personification of piety and religion.

 

He is the leader of group of planets. He affects the mind thus accepted as a teacher and the god of wisdom and expression. The planet is illustrated as golden yellow in color holding a stick, a lotus and beads. Brihaspati is worshiped on Thursday or ‘Guru-var’ as the day is dedicated to him.

 

According to Shiva Purana Brihaspati is the son of Rishi Angirasa and Surupa and is the brother of Utathya and Samvartana. He has three wives, namely Shuba, Tara and Mamta.

 

He performed strong penances on the banks of Prabhas Tirtha, as a result of which Lord Shiva granted him the status of Guru of devas and position as one of the Navagrahas.

 

All Bharadwaja Brahmins are believed to be his descendants.

Astrological Importance
In Hindu astrology, Guru rules over Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces), he is exalted in Karka (Cancer) and in his fall in Makara (Capricorn). Mostly Brihaspati is benefic of any of the planets. The Sun, Moon and Mars are considered friendly to Brihaspati, hostile to Mercury and neutral towards Saturn.

 

In Vedic astrology the element of Guru is considered to be of ether or Akasha Tattva. Thus this indicates vastness, growth and expansion in a person’s life. Brihaspati also balances past karma, religion, philosophy, knowledge and issues relating to offspring.
Matters concerning education, teaching and the dispensation of knowledge are analysed by studying the position of Jupiter in an individual’s birth chart. Humans with Jupiter dominating in their horoscope could grow fat as life progresses and their empire and prosperity increases.

Jupiter affects pancreas and stomach thus diabetes is directly related to Jupiter. The worship or propitiation of Brihaspati helps ward off sins.

Brihaspati is lord of Punarvasu, Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatras or lunar mansions.

The following items are associated with Brihaspati:

Color : Yellow
Metal : Gold
Gemstone : Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
Season : Winter (Snow)
Direction : North-East
Element : Ether or Space

Other Names
Brahmanaspati
Deva-guru – guru of the gods
Ganapati – leader of the group [of planets]
Cura

Brihspati Mantra
“Om Strim Brahm Brihaspataye Namah”
Gayatri Mantras of Brihaspathi
‘Aum Guru Devaya Vidmahe
Parabrahmane Dheemahi
Tanno Guruh Prachodayat’

‘Vrusha Dhwajaaya Vidhmahe
Gruni Hasthaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Guruh Prachodayat’

Brihspati Gayatri Mantra
Om vrishabadhwajaaya vidmahae
kruni hastaaya dheemahi
tanno guru: prachodayaat

Translation: Om, Let me meditate on him who has bull in his flag,
Oh, He who has power to get things done, give me higher intellect,
And let Guru illuminate my mind.

 

Brihaspati Navagraha Mantra
‘Devaanaam Cha Risheenaam Cha Gurum Kaanchana Sannibham
Buddhibhootam Trilokesham Tam Namaami Brihaspateem’

 

Translation : I bow down to Brihaspathi who is the teacher of Gods ans sages, who is resplendent and lustrous like burnished gold and who is endowed with a lot of wisdom and who is the lord of the three worlds.

 

इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

 

About Jupiter
The planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology is known as GURU, BRIHASPATI, and DEVAGURA. In Sanskrit these names mean, “teacher, lord of light, and teacher to the gods.”

Jupiter is a 1st rate benefice planet, generally considered to be the most auspicious of the planets. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. He is exalted in the sign of Cancer and fallen in the opposite sign of Capricorn. Where the Sun is known as Atman, or the soul, Jupiter is known as JIVA, the consciousness of the soul representing the individuality of self.

Where Venus is a Brahmin and follows the Brigu lineage of Brahmin sages, Jupiter is also a Brahmin and follows the Angiras lineage of Brahmin sages. Jupiter’s epithets are sacred and many: “Lord of sacred speech”, “Lord of power”, “Guru of the Gods”, “reader of minds” and “beloved by the Gods”.

Jupiter is a karaka or indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion and faith, spirituality, charity, morality, meditation, mantra, children, magistrates, ministers, lawyers and leaders in government and religion. Jupiter represents sacred scripture, wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. Jupiter’s most favored position is in the first. He does well both in the Kendra’s and Angles, and the auspicious Trikonal Houses. His nature is KAPHA, or watery. His gemstone is Yellow Sapphire or Yellow Topaz and his metal is Gold. Jupiter’s direction is Northeast and his day is Thursday. As a benefice planet he reaches full maturity the earliest of the 9 grahas at age 16.

Worship of BRIHASPATI or GURU (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is revered as the Guru of Devas, protector of the world and is considered SRESHTA (matchless) among the wise. Kind-hearted he is considered the Loka Guru and dispenser of justice and can be known only by a proper study of the Vedas. Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter. The legend that depict the influence of the worship of BRIHASPATI goes as follows, and is narrated whenever a worship or offering is made to the deity.

There was a certain king who had seven sons and their wives. Two Brahmins used to come there to beg alms but the wives returned them, empty handed. Therefore Jupiter deity was displeased with them, which affected adversely the prosperity and wealth of the king. When there was devastation in the kingdom and the king neared poverty, the youngest wife sought excuse from the Brahmins and started giving them alms but still the elder six denied alms to the Brahmins. The youngest wife asked the Brahmins the remedy for getting over the bad days. The Brahmins advised to keep a fast for Brihaspati to feed Brahmins. If anyone’ s husband has gone to a foreign country, then that woman should make two human figures behind the door; that would result in early safe return of the husband. If the family is stricken with poverty then those figures should be made on a box.

The king’s seven sons had already gone on a foreign tour. The youngest wife observed the ritual as advised. Her husband had gone to a place, the king of which died. The king had no son. To find a suitable successor, a garland was hung on the horn of a female elephant so that whosoever is garlanded by it, he shall be the king as per the tradition of that kingdom. The elephant went all around and ultimately put the garland round youngest son’s neck. He became the king. He searched for his brothers, but in vain for the sake of public welfare, the new king decided to construct a tank. Thousands of laborers were engaged, among whom his brothers also came. He called all of them took them to his palace and all started living peacefully. The worship and alms by the youngest wife brought prosperity back to the family. Then all other wives also started Brihaspati fast and worship. No one was ever refused alms by them, anymore.

 

Planet Jupiter present in the solar system is the representative of Lord Brihaspati who is the Priest of Gods. Thursday is devoted to Jupiter and one can worship lord Brihaspati or perform Brihaspati Puja. Lord Shiva blessed lord Brihaspati with place in the solar system, when Brihaspati as a sage appeased him. Jupiter is one mighty planet of solar system after sun and its position in astrology and horoscope of an individual can make or break one’s life. Jupiter astrologically signifies prosperity, knowledge, partnerships and children. Guru or Brihaspati Puja is dedicated to the Jupiter planet and is performed by chanting Guru mantra facing north-east direction.

According to ancient Vedic astrology, the planet Jupiter is recalled as Guru, Devaguru or Brihaspati. Jupiter planet is benefice as well as considered to be one of the most auspicious, generous, helpful planets to name. Also planet guru or Brihaspati represents wisdom, sacred scripture, philosophy and benevolence. The nature of Brihaspati is also known to be watery.

It is been said that planet Jupiter is an indicator of good luck, wealth, devotion, fortune, fame, morality, spirituality, magistrates, ministers, lawyers, children as well as government or religious leaders. The adversities of Jupiter that is Brihaspati or Guru can also be reasons for troubles, skin problems, impurity of the blood, frail nerves, increase of sexual urges, arthritis as well as worrying and uneasiness of mind.

‘Aum Hreem Kleem Hoom Brihaspataye Namah’
Anyone can be on fast on Thursday to worship Lord Vishnu. If observing Brihaspati vrat avoid consumption of banana and salt on the day of fast.

The following are the best Brihaspati Graha Remedies besides general remedies in accordance to Vamtantra:

Powerised Herbs Poojan of the Brihaspati Graham.
Brihaspati Graha Shanti Puja.
Powerised Suraksha Kavach Dharanam of the Brihaspati Graham.
Powerised Siddha Yantra Puja of the Brihaspati Graha.
Powerised Spiritual Art of the Brihaspati Graha that is to be kept.

 

Bṛhaspati appears in the Rigveda (pre-1000 BCE). He is described as a sage born from the first great light, the one who drove away darkness, is bright and pure, and carries a special bow whose string is Rta or basis of dharma. His knowledge and character is revered, and he is considered Guru by all the Devatas. In the Vedic literature and other ancient texts, sage Brihaspati is also called by other names such as Brahmanaspati, Purohita, Angirasa (son of Angiras) and Vyasa; he is sometimes identified with god Agni. His wife is Tara.

 

BRIHASPATI
He is the friend of Lord Indra and is considered to be the giver of wisdom and wealth. He drives away diseases and protects them from enemies. No sacrifice is complete without his presence as he is the priest of heaven. He sees to it that the unworthy do not enter.

Brihaspati or Jupiter – His Birth And Vrath Kathas (Stories as prayer)
Brihaspati is the Dev Guru or the teacher of the Gods. He attained this honour through penance on the banks of the Prabhas Tirth. As a reward for his penance, Lord Shiva granted him the position as the Dev Guru and as one of the Navagrahas (nine planets). Lord Krishna references Brihaspati in the Bhagavad Gita when he says that among the priests he is Brihaspati.

Birth Of Brihaspati
Angira was one of the Manas Putras of Brahma. His wife Shradha was a daughter of Kardam Rishi. Shradha’s three sons are Utathya, Brihaspati and Samvart. So we attribute the Angira’s lineage to Brihaspati. Shradha was unfaithful to Angira during her pregnancy. This resulted in her child being stillborn. She repented and so Angira gave the child life. This child was Brihaspati.

Brihaspati had two wives; Shubh and Tara. He had seven daughters by Shubh. Tara had 7 sons and 1 daughter. Tara had a son by Chandra (the Moon) who is Budh (Mercury). Another story of interest with regard to Brihaspati is that he had two children by his brother’s wife; Kach and Bharadwaj. He tried to impregnate Mamata (his brother’s wife) although she was already pregnant and the child protested from the womb. So, Brihaspati cursed the unborn child to be born in darkness. This child Derghatama was born blind on account of the curse. Brihaspati’s child was Bharadwaj. He was then abandoned by his parents and adopted by King Dushyant.

Vrat Kathas
India has a rich tradition of conveying great teachings, knowledge and lessons through stories that are told and retold from generation to generation. Stories that tell of the glory of a deity or a personality are called Mahaatmyas. However, sometimes the storytelling is a more formal fulfilment of a vow than a mere telling of a story. This is called a Vrat Katha. Some people fulfil the vow by reading the story, while others make recite it formally or attend the recitation of the story. This serves as a vow fulfilment. Fasting for the day and then reciting the story before the symbol of the deity or the deity itself is followed by the distribution of Prasad of food items that are related to the deity.

Vrat Katha Of Brihaspathi – Barley And The Basket
This Vrat Katha of Brihaspathi is a story that illustrates the importance of following the prescribed rules for worship. The story describes a poor Brahmin and his wife. The wife had bad and very dirty habits. She was in the habit of eating leftovers in the morning and worshipping God after her meal. This caused the couple to be very poor and childless. After many years they were blessed with a daughter. The girl was in the habit of worshipping Vishnu every day and Brishaspati every Thursday from a young age. She was so devoted that when she scattered barley on the road in the morning, it would turn to gold when she returned in the evening. She would then separate the barley from the husk.

Winnowing Basket
Her father told her that to winnow the barley she would need a golden basket. She then prayed on Thursday that if she was true in her vow she should be blessed with a golden basket. When she returned home that evening, there was a golden basket there. The next day, when she was winnowing the barley with the golden basket, the prince saw her. He was enchanted by her and went back to the palace. He excused himself from company stating that he was ill. His mother was very worried about him and asked him what caused his illness. He told her about the girl that he had seen and explained that he was enchanted with her. The King sent for the girl and she was married to the prince.

After her marriage, the girl went away and her parents were reduced to being poor again. Her father asked her for help. She then told her mother to perform her ritual worship every morning with very careful attention and adherence to purity. Her mother, however, fell back on her old bad habits. The girl finally told her father to lock her in a room overnight and the next morning the mother was bathed and made to pray before breakfast. This cleared the mother’s mind and she realised her faults. She prayed to Brihaspathi will proper adherence to the prescribed rules of purity and they became rich and lived happily thereafter.

The Merchant And His Wife
There was once a merchant who had a very miserly wife. The merchant did trade by travelling to foreign countries and was a very generous and charitable man. His wife did not approve of his habit of helping the poor and prevented him from spending money.

The Sadhu
One day when the merchant was travelling, Brihaspathi came to his home in the form of a Sadhu seeking alms. The merchants miserly wife complained to the Sadhu that she was fed up with her husband’s generosity. She wanted to know a way by which all the merchant’s wealth would be lost so that she would no longer have to manage it. The Sadhu suggested that she spend all the money in all auspicious ways. She still persisted in asking for the wealth to be destroyed.

The Sadhu then suggested a remedy to destroy the merchant’s wealth. He told the woman to smear her house and herself with clay and to even wash her hair with the clay. The Sadhu told her to have the merchant cut his hair and additionally to eat meat, drink alcohol and wash clothes on every Thursday. He said that following this for 7 weeks would surely cause the merchant to lose all his wealth. In a mere 5 weeks, all the wealth was gone and the miserly woman herself had died.

The Merchant Returns
When the merchant returned from his travels he found that there was nothing there for him. His youngest daughter recited the events that had happened. The merchant decided to become a woodcutter to earn a living. One day when his daughter asked for some yoghurt he said that he would get her some and went to the forest to cut wood. He knew that he did not have the money to buy her yoghurt and wept bitterly. It happened to be a Thursday. Brihaspati came to him in the form of a Sadhu and asked him why he was weeping. The merchant/woodcutter related all the events to the Sadhu.

The Sadhu told him that the cause for the unfortunate events was the disrespect that his wife had shown to Brihaspati. He advised the man to perform certain rituals and hear the glory of Brishaspati on Thursdays. The Sadhu told him to get two coins and buy Channa and raisins from it and then to put a pinch of sugar into his pot to represent the nectar of immortality. He should then offer this to Brihaspati and distribute it to all those who had listened to the story of the glory of Brihaspati and then eat some himself. The man asked where he would get two coins from in the first place. The Sadhu told him that he would get four coins extra on selling wood on Thursdays.

Things Change
On the next Thursday, the man did earn four extra coins on selling his wood. He bought the pooja materials described by the Sadhu and yoghurt for his daughter. He distributed the offerings to all those who had heard the story of the glories of Brihaspati. His prosperity began to improve. On the following Thursday, the King ordered that all the people should eat at the palace. The man and his daughter were a little late and were still welcomed into the palace and fed.

The Queen found that her necklace was missing and the suspicion fell on the merchant/woodcutter. Both he and his daughter were jailed. Brihaspati appeared to the man and told him that his precarious situation was because of his having neglected the worship on Thursday. He told him that on the next Thursday there would be two coins by the jail door and that he was to use it to buy the pooja materials and perform the worship.

Worship In Jail
The following Thursday there were indeed two coins by the door. The man asked a passing woman to help him and buy the Pooja materials. She replied that she was on the way to buy clothes for her soon to be daughter-in-law and that she did not know anything about Brihaspati. The man asked another passing woman to help him. She was on the way to buy a shroud for her only son who had just died. She, however, bought the Pooja materials and handed them to him and even stayed and listened to the story of the glories of Brihaspati.

The woman then bought the shroud and went back to her home. She wanted to see her son’s face for the last time and put some of the nectar, Channa and raisins that she had as Prasad from the Pooja in her son’s mouth. Her son sat up. The first woman who had refused to buy the Pooja materials had returned for her son’s marriage only to find that he had been thrown from his horse and had died. She wept and prayed for forgiveness and Brihaspati appeared to her as the Sadhu and told her to go and ask the jailed man for forgiveness.

The man told her to preserve her son’s body with flower essence and Ghee and to attend the Pooja the next week. The next Thursday she bought some Channa, raisins and put sugar in a water pot and both the man and the woman listened to the story of the glories of Brihaspati. She took some of the Prasad and put them in her son’s mouth and he sat up.

Redemption
The King dreamed of Brihaspati that night. Brihaspati told him that he had imprisoned an innocent man. The Queen’s necklace was found in the very same palace where she had kept it and the merchant was released. The King gave the merchant half of his kingdom and arranged for the marriage of his daughter. He also gave her diamond jewellery. This is how Brihaspati fulfils the desires of all.

Another version of the story has the merchant and his wife as a King and a Queen.

 

Brihaspati or Jupiter is the preceptor of gods. Learned and virtuous, he guides and protects the gods and lends dignity to the court of Indra, the king of gods. The gods obtain nourishment through the yajnas that the earthlings perform. In return, the gods foster the earthlings. This symbiosis is interfered with by the asuras or demons who obstruct the yajnas and snatch the share due to the gods. Sage Brihaspati helps the gods acquire their share of nourishment by the use of ‘mantras’ or powerful incantations that drive away the asuras.

The worship-worthy Brihaspati is the son of the sage Angira who in turn is the son of the Creator Brahma. Versed in the essence of the Vedas and other scriptures, Brihaspati is calm and self-controlled. He has conqueredanger, has a sweet voice and is absolutely pure of heart. He always has the good of the world in mind. Once upon a time, he undertook rigorous penances in Kashi and pleased lord Shiva immensely.

“O’ Brihaspati,” said lord Shiva after appearing before the meditating sage, “ask for a boon.”

Brihaspati was filled with bliss after seeing the Omnipotent Lord in front of him. He immediately offered a hymn in the praise of the Lord and then became silent. Pleased with him, lord Shiva conferred upon Brihaspati the status of a graha, or planet, and the preceptorship of the gods. Worship of lord Shiva on a Thursday, the day of Brihaspati, coinciding with Pushya nakshatra, ensures success in any venture undertaken at such an auspicious occasion.

Once upon a time, the Moon-god developed an infatuation for the young and lovely Taara, the devoted wife of Brihaspati. Abandoning all shame and propriety, he abducted the beautiful lady, the wife of his own preceptor, and enjoyed her physically. Brihaspati was naturally distressed at this happening, more so because the Moon-god had taken shelter with his invincible rival Shukra, the preceptor of the demons. It was through the intervention of lord Shiva and lord Brahma, as well as other gods and sages, that Taara was rescued. She was, however, pregnant at the time of her release from the hold of the Moon-god, and gave birth to a beautiful and highly intelligent child who came to be known as Budha or Mercury.

Praising Brihaspati during the episode of abduction of his wife, lord Shiva said, “Blessed be the devotees of lord Vishnu, the Preserver. Brihaspati is devoted to lord Vishnu, hence his heart is pure and he is without malice and anger. For, could he not reduce a hundred Moon-gods to ashes by a mere curse if he had but willed? Verily, they alone attain eternal bliss who devote themselves to lord Vishnu wholeheartedly.”

Lord Brahma explained the course of events thus:

“All beings, be they gods or men, follow the dictates of lord Vishnu. One who hurts others must of necessity be punished by lord Vishnu himself. Of the three sons of the sage Angira, the youngest one, Samvarta, resorted to rigorous penances and did not pursue the life-style of a householder. Brihaspati, during a particular moment of weakness of the mind, once took hold of the pregnant wife of his other brother, Utathya, and violated her person. Blinded by lust, he forgot that a brother’s wife must be rendered the same respect as due to one’s mother. All deeds done, whether virtuous or sinful, must yield their corresponding fruits.”

It is said that the child in the womb of Mamata, the wife of Utathya, resented Brihaspati’s action but Brihaspati ignored his objection. A son was soon born out of this union. He was sage Bharadwaja who transmitted the knowledge of Ayurveda to Dhanvantari, the god of the ancient system of medicine who had emerged, a pot of Amrita in his hands, from the Ocean as a result of its churning by the gods and the demons.

Rivalry between the gods and the demons is a regular affair. Their preceptors, Brihaspati and Shukra respectively, bent upon protecting their respective clans, thus become natural rivals. They both resort to varied means to acquire knowledge and strength, in order each to outdo the other.

Shukra once noticed with concern that the demons were fighting a losing battle. The gods were regularly having an upper hand. They had eliminated several mighty demons by their strength and strategies. Shukra called the demons and addressed them thus: “Dear asuras! You have lost mighty warriors in battle. My counsel to you all is to give up your weapons till I return from austerities to acquire knowledge of invincibility. Then alone must you fight the gods with my help, and attain victory. In the meantime, give up your malefic nature, attain strength through the pursuit of austerities, and wait until an opportune moment arrives.”

Shukra went away to pursue his penances while the gods and the demons ceased hostilities. The truce, however, did not last long as the gods discovered the trick of the demons and attacked them in strength. The beleaguered demons took shelter with the virtuous Khyati, the mother of Shukracharya, who offered the demons protection. The gods, however, pursued the demons relentlessly, causing them great pain. Greatly angered at the gods, the blameless Khyati immobilised Indra, the king of the gods, by the use of her immense yogic powers. Seeing this the gods ran away and their king Indra was captured by the demons.

While Indra was overwhelmed by demons, lord Vishnu offered him protection by incorporating him in His own body. This only infuriated the mother of Shukra and the wife of sage Bhrigu further. Loudly she proclaimed:

“O’ Indra! I am going to burn you to ashes along with this lord Vishnu. See now the strength of my penances.”

Both Indra and lord Vishnu were aware of the spiritual strength of the virtuous lady. Before she could pronounce her curse, lord Vishnu beheaded the lady with His never-failing Chakra, the discus. A sin of killing a woman was thus committed by lord Vishnu Himself. In return, sage Bhrigu cursed lord Vishnu to take birth as a human being on the earth on seven different occasions. Subsequently, Bhrigu used his yogic powers to bring his wife Khyati back to life.

Indra was mortally afraid of Shukra for having wronged his mother and his subjects. He spent many sleepless nights. Eventually he thought of a clever plan. He called his daughter Jayanti and bade her to look after Shukracharya, engaged in rigorous practices, with care and devotion. “Go and accomplish my purpose,” said Indra to his daughter. “From now on, I offer you to Shukra.”

Jayanti accepted her father’s bidding. She went to where Shukracharya was immersed in deep meditation. Subjecting herself to numerous hardships, she carefully looked after the preceptor of the demons for several years. At the end of a thousand years of rigorous meditation, lord Shiva manifested Himself to Shukra and conferred upon the latter invincibility as well as the knowledge of reviving the dead.

When Shukra came to himself, he saw beside him the young Jayanti. He addressed her thus:

“Blessed one! Who are you, engaged in my service, unmindful of your own hardships? Who is your father? What makes you undertake such rigours? I am extremely pleased with your devotion and your self control. Dear one! What is it that you desire of me? Ask for anything, and I shall be pleased to grant it to you.”

Jayanti spoke sweetly, “Lord! You can know my mind without my uttering a word.”

Shukra thought for a while. Immediately he knew her mind, and all that had happened. He took Jayanti home and took her for his wife. Laying a curtain of delusion around his abode, Shukra spent ten long years in association with his wife Jayanti, unseen by any outsiders.

When Brihaspati came to know that Shukra had gone invisible for ten years, he took note of this void. With Indra’s counsel, he guised himself as Shukra and called for the demons. When the demons came to see him, hesaid, as Shukra would, to them:

“Dear ones! I have returned from my austerities. I shall transfer to you the knowledge that I have obtained during the years of my absence from here.”

For ten years, Brihaspati associated with the demons and gained their confidence. When Shukra returned, the demons failed to recognise him and refused to accept him as their preceptor. They considered the disguised Brihaspati only as their preceptor. This angered Shukra who cursed them saying, “Stupid demons! You do not understand even when I give you wise counsel. You would, therefore, suffer subjugation in the decisive battle that you would certainly have to fight with your enemies, the gods.”

Brihaspati noted with glee that the demons had been cursed with vincibility by their own preceptor. His purpose had been achieved. He then left the demons to their lot and returned home.

The demons learnt it only too late that they had been deceived. They went to Shukracharya and besought his forgiveness. The guileless Shukra forgave them and returned.

From Jayanti, Shukra begot his beautiful daughter Devayani. Years later, Brihaspati sent his son Kacha to learn the secret of Samjivani, the art of reviving the dead, from Shukracharya. Devayani fell in love with Kacha and saved him on many an occasion from the wrath of the demons. Through his devotion to Shukra, and his own efforts and self-control, he eventually acquired the knowledge of Samjivani and returned home. Thus was this great knowledge transferred to the camp of the gods. ¦

Jupiter in Astrology
Physical attributes : Big belly, fat body, pale eyes, bright yellow complexion, virtuous disposition, phlegmatic temperament, sharp intelligence, Sattvika inclination, forgiving nature, yellow coloured dress.
Nature : A natural benefit.
Gender : Masculine.
Caste : Brahmin
Direction : North-east.
Place : Treasure house.
Directional strength: Lagna or the first house of the horoscope.
Own Sign : Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Meena (Pisces).
Exaltation : Karka (Cancer) 5°.
Mooltrikona : Dhanu (Sagittarius) 0° to 10°
Debilitation : Makara (Capricorn) 5°.
Friends : Sun, Moon, Mars.
Enemies : Mercury, Venus.
Neutral : Saturn.

Significations : Progeny, disciples, wealth, treasure, classical learning, judicial learning, astrology, astronomy, grammar, Shastras, logic, religious study, eloquence, arrogance, authorship, mantaras or incantations, devotion, valour, knowledge of scripture, a man of law, a judge, yellow cloth, gold, precious stones, yellow topaz, honey, turmeric, elder brother, northeast direction, obesity, fat in the body, diseases of liver and gallbladder, diabetes, ear trouble, anaemias, laziness, chronic diseases.

 

Brihaspati Puja in History
Planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) is the symbol for Knowledge, Wisdom, Progeny, Prosperity, Name & Fame, Wealth and Justice. The legend that marks the history of Brihaspati Puja or Guru Puja goes as follows:

In ancient India, there was a king who was blessed with seven sons and his wives. Queen used to return two Brahmins empty handed who used to come in their kingdom for begging alms. Thus, God Jupiter (the most powerful planet in the solar system) was displeased with them. This adversely affected the prosperity and wealth of the King. The youngest queen started giving alms to the Brahmins but still the elder queens denied alms to the Brahmins. Devastation struck in their kingdom and resulted king to face poverty.

The youngest wife asked for the remedy from the Brahmins to overcome crisis and bad days. The two Brahmins advised the queen to observe fast for Brihaspati diety on every Thursday (i.e. on Brihaspati vaar) and feed Brahmins. Since then Brihaspati Puja came into the practice in Hindu culture.

Indian women make two human figures behind main door of the house if their husband has gone to a foreign country. This results in early & safe return of the husband. If someone’ family is stricken with poverty then human figures are made on a box.

 

 

 

Guru Brihaspati or Brahmanaspati – the lord of prayers, devotion, or sacred speech- is a Vedic sage and is often mentioned as the teacher and advisor to all the gods. In Vedic Astrology, Brihaspati refers to the largest planet of the solar system, Jupiter.

In Hindu scriptures, Devguru Brihaspati is the master of great wisdom, tactics, rituals, spells, and chants. Thus, Brihaspati is one of the most benevolent and important planets of all Navagrahas (the nine planets). Thursday is named after him, in Sanskrit fourth day of the week is known as Brihaspati Vara (Brihaspativaram).

The word “Brihaspati” has derived from the Sanskrit word “Spati of the Briha.” It means the soul or the spirit of the vastness of the universe. As a guru, Sage Brihaspati teaches all the gods about the morals of righteousness, religion, and responsibility.

Many Vedic texts and scriptures described Brihaspati’s nature as wise, kind, merciful, cheerful, dutiful, and generous. People often regarded him as the guru who blesses families with happiness, wisdom, and prosperity. As for the appearance, he has a golden or yellow skin tone body holding a stick, soma, lotus, and bead.

According to Vedas, the sage Brihaspati is the lord of speech (Vakpati) and the Brahman. He is also called the Purohita of gods in Shatapatha Brahmana.

In Rig Veda, Guru Brihaspati is called ” Kavim Kavinaam ” as he was a deep thinker who held strong beliefs in many matters. He was extremely knowledgeable, and every plan the devas had against the asuras originated from Brihaspati’s mind.

 

In Hinduism, every day is dedicated to a specific god in the Hindu pantheon. Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Yellow is the color of the day.

Thursdays are considered to be the best days for the worship of Jupiter.Worship of this Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his sins, helps him in gaining strength, valour, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education.

In the zodiac, He is the Lord of Dhanus and Meena. Guru stays for one year in each. Rasi, taking 12 years to complete the cycle.

Bṛhaspati attained the position of Guru of the Devas by performing penances on the banks of Prabhas Tirtha. Lord Shiva granted him this position, as well as his position as one of the Navagrahas (Nine Planets).

In the ‪BhagavadGeeta‬, Shree Krishna says “I am Brihaspati among the priests”.

In later times, Brihaspati was identified with the planet of the same name, equated with Jupiter. He is thus one of the NAVAGRAHA or nine planets and is represented in temples on Navagraha panels. The AGNI PURANA states that his images should be adorned with a necklace of Rudraksha beads. Brihaspati’s chariot is called Nitighosha and is drawn by eight pale horses. In early releifs, Brihaspati was two-handed, sometimes holding a rosary and a water pot. In modern temples and art, he is depicted dressed in yellow and seated on lotus, or in his chariot. He has 4 arms and holds a mace, a rosary and a sphere or water-pot.

Brihaspati is the son of Rishi Angiras (according to the Rig Veda 4.40.1) and Surupa according to the Shiva Purana. He has two brothers named Utathya and Samvartana, and has three wives. His first wife, Shuba, gave birth to Bhanumati, Raaka, Archishmati, Mahamati, Mahishmati, Sinivali, and Havishmati. His seven daughters. His second wife, Tara, gave birth to seven sons and a daughter. Through Bṛahspati’s third wife, Mamata, he had two sons, Kacha and Bharadwaja.Tara, who was later fell in love with Chandra, the moon and Budha (Mercury) was born to them.

After the war between Brihaspati and Chandra, Tara returned to her husband. Brihaspati’s another son Kacha was assigned to learn the Sanjivani mantra from Shukracharya, the guru of asuras. The mantra could bring back life in a dead and hence gods sent Kacha to learn it. There as a student, Shukracharya’s daughter Devayani,fell in love with Kacha.

Brihaspati is also noted to have taught asuras for ten years impersonating as Shukracharya. He is the designated “Vyasa of the fourth Dwapara” age.

Brihaspati Mantra: Meaning, Significance and Benefits
Brihaspati or Jupiter is known as the guru or teacher of all the gods and is also referred to as Dev-Guru. He is the leader of all the planets, and also bigger than the rest, and he is the commander in chief as well. For ages, Jupiter is considered to be a sign of good fortune, luck, wealth, prosperity, spirituality, and religious values. Brihaspati is the lord of sacred prayers, mantras, and devotion and is the biggest planet in the solar system. Jupiter is the master of wisdom, rituals, tactics, spells, and chants. The personality of Rishi Brihaspati has been described by many Hindu scriptures to be calm and reserved. He is known to be dutiful and always has an answer to any problem. His merciful nature has been praised by all and because of his cheerful personality, he is considered to fulfill every wish.

Compared to all the other planets, Brihaspati is considered to be the most merciful and gracious planet, and worshiping brings all kinds of prosperity and happiness. His tender nature is appreciated as he brings all the happiness to the family. Guru Brihaspati has a very interesting birth story. He was one of the three sons of Rishi Anigras who was a manasputra of Lord Brahma. During his birth, it is believed that his mother was not faithful to his father Rishi Anigras. Because of this, the child resulted in a stillbirth. Heartbroken and devastated, his mother begged and prayed for forgiveness from his father. Rishi Anigras then forgave his mother and in turn put his own life into the body of the child.

This child then turned to be the wise and intelligent guru of all the gods, named Rishi Brihaspati. Although there are other stories as well. According to Vedic scriptures, it is believed that Lord Brihaspati was born from the cosmos’ first light. Rishi Brihaspati has two consorts, Shubh and Tara. He has seven daughters from Devi shubh, Bhaanumatee, Havishmatee, Mahishmatee, Mahaamatee, Archishmatee, Sineevaalee, and Raakaa. From Devi Tara, Rishi Brihaspati has seven sons and one daughter. He also had two sons from his brother’s wife, Mamata. They were Kacha and Bharadwaj. Out of the two, Bharadwaj was later adopted by King Dushyant.

Brihaspati Mantra: How do they help
Guru Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system and accordingly is the most benevolent and merciful. With complete devotion, if he is worshiped, good fortune is sure to be found. People struggling with business or personal problems can try and start chanting Brihaspati mantras, as it can bring them calm and make them more patient towards difficult situations.

Chanting the Brihaspati mantra regularly will ensure direct blessings from the Lord himself. Every word uttered during the recitation of the mantras makes a great impact on the life of the performer and fills them with knowledge and intelligence. Often associated with wisdom, prosperity, good health, luck, positivity, religion, popularity, peace, and happiness., Guru Brihaspati has a very generous heart and is more merciful than the rest of the planets.

How to chant the Brihaspati Mantra
Since Rishi Brihaspati is a part of lord Brahma, the Brahma muhurta which occurs in the early morning around 4 to 5 am is the best time to chant Brihaspati mantras.
This time is also very suitable to perform any rituals or puja to appease the rishi. One should try reciting the mantras using a Tulsi mala to keep count of the times they chanted as it is advised to chant the mantras 19,000 times.
Beads like Tulsi, sandalwood, or rudraksha can be used to chant the mantras and maintain concentration.
The color yellow is the most appropriate to wear when doing any puja or rituals dedicated to guru Brihaspati since it is the color that represents the lord the most.
Among the seven days of the week, Thursdays are considered to be dedicated to Jupiter. Hence, to donate food like jaggery, laddu, gram, salt, turmeric or other things like yellow clothes, books, etc to the needy is very beneficial and will bring very good luck.
Important Brihaspati Mantras
1. Dev-Guru Brihaspati Mantra
According to Vedic astrology, Brihaspati is among the nine planets of the solar system (navagrahas) and is believed to be the most gracious and merciful of them all. As per Jyotish Vidya, guru refers to the sky or Akasha tattva, the elemental space. Jupiter is the ruler of the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Pisces and has been placed in cancer and Capricorn. He also has relations to Mars, the sun, and the moon. Since he is the guru of all the planets and the gods and has a very high place in the hierarchy, he is the harbinger of knowledge, wisdom, patience, peace, and happiness. It is considered that if the planet Jupiter is merciful towards one specific person, that person is sure to gain a lot of fame and popularity in their life.

The Dev-Guru Brihaspati mantra is:
देवनम् च ऋषिंं गुरुं कंचना-सन्निभं बुद्धि-भूतम् त्रिलोकेशं तम नमामि बृहस्पतिम ||

Devanam cha rishinam gurun kanchana-sannibhhambuddhi-bhutam tri-lokesham tam namami brihaspatim

Meaning- I kneel to Brihaspati, lord of Jupiter, who is the preceptor of all gods and rishis. He has a golden skin tone and is the lord of intelligence who controls all three worlds.

Benefits of chanting Dev-Guru Brihaspati mantra
Chanting the Dev-Guru Brihaspati mantra is very beneficial for those who are thinking of starting a new business venture.
Jupiter is responsible for fortune and prosperity, and those who chant this mantra can expect their knowledge to increase and wisdom to elevate.
Guru Brihaspati is the teacher of all the gods and has all the knowledge of the universe. So to begin a new project with this mantra will ensure good luck.
Chanting the Brihaspati mantra can ensure blessings from the Lord himself.
Best time to chant the brihaspati mantra Early morning, 4-6 am, thursday
Number of times to chant this mantra 19,000 times
Who can recite the brihaspati mantra Everyone
Chant this mantra facing North or east, with a jupiter yantra
2. Brihaspati Beej mantra
Jupiter or Brihaspati is the ‘spati’ of the ‘briha’ or the ‘spirit of the ‘vast’, and the name is true to his personality as he has an ever-expansive nature. Considered to be the guru of all the lords, he is responsible for all the laws, be it man-made laws or God-made laws, and all the judicial situations are brought to him when there is ever any misjudgment and dispute among the gods. Rishi Brihaspati is also known as a family person and is known to bestow very good fortune on his devotees who are seeking family happiness. One looking for blessings for the prosperity of their family can look up to guru Brihaspati, as being the most benevolent planet, he will surely bring all the happiness to the devotees and their families.

The Brihaspati Beej mantra is:
ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरवे: नमः ||

ॐ ब्रं बृहस्पति नमः ||

Om Gram Grim Grom Sah Gurve Namah

Om Bram Brihaspataye Namha

Meaning- Jupiter beej mantra is made of seed sounds that represent the powers of Jupiter planet. Regular chanting of these beeja sounds in the prescribed way can give all the benefits of pleasing the planet Jupiter.

Benefits of Brihaspati Beej mantra
By chanting the Beej Mantra of the planet Jupiter (Guru), one attains spiritual knowledge and the person makes a different identity in the world.
If the planet Jupiter is lying in one’s horoscope, it is believed that all of his problems are going to end very soon without causing many problems.
By chanting the mantra of Jupiter, there is happiness and peace in the house, reduction of obstacles in marriage, and success in the work field.
Best time to chant the Brihaspati Beej mantra 4-6 am in the morning, thursday
Number of times to chant this mantra 19000 times
Who can recite the Brihaspati Beej mantra Everyone
Chant this mantra facing No specification
3. Brihaspati gayatri mantra
According to the siddhi dharma, Dev-Guru Brihaspati is the lord of all knowledge and wisdom. Because of this, he is the author of many Hindu scriptures such as Nitishastra, Dharmashastra, Vastushastra, and Brihaspati Smriti. As per the siddhi dharma, guru Brihaspati is responsible for the creation of the two knowledge systems, which are the nastika school of thought and the astika school of thought. The nastika school of thought in modern science and the belief here is that the only thing that exists is all that has matter. There is nothing beyond as they do not believe in the soul. There are twelve forms of himself that he created to spread the nastika school of thought – Loukya Brihaspati, Angiras Brihaspati, Dev Guru Brihaspati, Arthagya Brihaspati, Kamagya Brihaspati, Avedik Brihaspati, Satark Brihaspati, Prapanchashil Brihaspati, Duruha Brihaspati, Rajadrohi Brihaspati, Adrista Brihaspati, and Amokshi Brihaspati.

The astika school of thought on the other hand is more related to the metaphysics of today’s time. It describes that not everything that can’t be seen in thought is unreal and those that exist in the otherworld can be sensed by a human. But to achieve that level of knowledge, one requires a high level of penance.

The Brihaspati Gayatri mantra is:
ॐ वृषभध्वजाय विद्महे करुनीहस्ताय धीमहि तन्नो गुरु: प्रचोदयात ||

ॐ अन्गिर्साय विद्महे दिव्यदेहाय धीमहि तन्नो जीव: प्रचोदयात् ||

Om Gurudevaay Vidmahe Parbrahmaay Dheemahi Tanno Guru Prachodayat.

Om VrishabhDhwajay Vidmahe Karunihastaay Dheemahi Tanno Guru Prachodayat.

Meaning- I pray to the teacher of all gods and meditate upon the highly respected one among the deities, let the teacher enlighten my intellect, and guide me towards self-fulfillment.

Benefits of chanting Brihaspati Gayatri mantra
Gayatri mantra of any god or goddess is beneficial for everyone. And similar to all, chanting the Brihaspati Gayatri mantra will assure the blessings of the lord to be always on the devotee.
Regular chanting of the Brihaspati Gayatri mantra will make the performer a calmer and reserved person, who is always aware of his surroundings and gives a lot of thought to everything before proceeding further.
It is also recommended to recite this mantra regularly with a pure heart as it can reduce the ill effects of other planets on someone’s horoscope.
Success and happiness are assured after regular chanting of this mantra, and the person can live a life without fear and stress.
Best time to chant Brihaspati Gayatri mantra Morning and evening, thursday
Number of times to chant this mantra 108 times
Who can recite the Brihaspati Gayatri mantra Everyone
Chant this mantra facing No specification
Overall benefits of chanting brihaspati mantra
With the regular chanting of brihaspati mantras, one can expect to get the blessings of dev-guru brihaspati at all times, and have a prosperous life.
Those who are wishing to have blessings for their family and are performing the rituals of appealing Jupiter, they will have a very happy and satisfied family with very less dispute or conflicts, because rishi brihaspati himself is family oriented.
Guru brihaspati is believed to be the most benevolent and merciful planet of all. Worshiping and chanting his mantras results in very good fortune and it is believed that all the bad luck gets canceled out by chanting these mantras.
If one is facing any problems and hardships in their life, and turns out it is all due to some I’ll effect of some other planets, it is advised to them to chant the brihaspati mantras as it helps to reduce the adverse effects of the other planets.
One can live a life which is free of fear or doubt if they follow regular chanting of brihaspati mantra.
Rishi brihaspati is the guru of all the gods and has vast knowledge of the universe. So accordingly, the devotees who chant brihaspati mantras also gain all kinds of knowledge and wisdom which help them in their pursuits.

Who is Brihaspati Bhagwan | Dev Guru Brihaspati?
Brihaspati Graha
Brihaspati Graha (Planet)
Lord Brihaspati (also known as Dev Guru Brihaspati) or Brihaspati graha refers to planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology. Maharishi Parashar described Brihaspati as a big body, tawny hair, tawny eyes, phlegmatic, intelligent, and learned male planet. Dev Guru Brihaspati is the teacher and instructor (Guru) of all the gods. Additionally, Jupiter or Brihaspati is the biggest/largest planet in the solar system.It is also considered one of the most influential and auspicious planets in the horoscope. It represents the “Sattvaguna”. Brihaspati rules over North East direction.

Brihaspati Dev (Guru)
Brihaspati appears in the Rigveda as a sage born from the first great light, the one who drove away darkness, is bright and pure, and carries a special bow whose string is of cosmic order (basis of dharma). His knowledge and character is revered, and he is considered Guru (teacher) by all the Devas. In the Vedic literature and other ancient texts, sage Brihaspati is also called by other names such as, Surguru, Vachaspati, Jeeva, Bramanaspati, Purohita, Angirasa (son of Angiras) and Vyasa; he is sometimes identified with god Agni (fire). His wife is Tara (or goddess who personifies the stars in the sky). In the Mahabharata, the son of Brihaspati named Bharadvaja is the counsellor of the Pandavas. The reverence for sage Brihaspati endured through the medieval period, and one of the many Dharmasastras was named after him. While the manuscripts 
of Brihaspati Smriti (Bṛhaspatismṛti) have not survived into the modern era, its verses were cited in other Indian texts. Scholars have made an effort to extract these cited verses, thus creating a modern reconstruction of Bṛhaspatismriti. Secondary literature has been the source for reconstructing the Brhaspati sutras partially. Brihaspati became the root of the word ‘Brihaspativara’ or Thursday in the Hindu calendar. Brihaspati Age from 35 to 42 years, development of consciousness by Jupiter.
Brihaspati in our Life
Brihaspati or Jupiter is the Karak planet for 5 houses which are 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th and 11th house of horoscope. Jupiter is also a natural benefactor of Wealth, Success, Religion, Karmas of the past life, luck, progeny, optimism, beliefs, hope, faith, long journeys, further or foreign education, philosophy, law, prosperity, foreign travel, business and confidence. It is also a natural benefactor planet for Marriage in horoscope. Read more about Brihaspati in Astrology here.
gurudev
Occupation related to Jupiter are everything which has to do with the law: judge, lawyer, Priest, missionary,a prophet. Also: professor, teacher, farmer, breeder etc. If you have a strong Jupiter or some planets in Sagittarius you’re likely to identify yourself with this quotation ‘Climb high, climb far … Your goal is the sky, your aim is the star’ Jupiter controls fats, nose, lever and cough. Diseases related to liver are also caused by Jupiter. It is reputed as the father of every living thing. The worship of Jupiter grants pure, aesthetic life and good health & wealth. As per Ancient Vedic Texts, if a person is under the Antar Dasha of planet Jupiter or if the planet Jupiter is malefic in his horoscope, then a pacification Puja for planet Jupiter is highly recommended and beneficial. Worshipping of this planet results in cure from physical illness as well as good progeny, good education, valour and longevity of life

 

About Jupiter
The planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology is known as GURU, BRIHASPATI, and DEVAGURA. In Sanskrit these names mean, “teacher, lord of light, and teacher to the gods.”

Jupiter is a 1st rate benefice planet, generally considered to be the most auspicious of the planets. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. He is exalted in the sign of Cancer and fallen in the opposite sign of Capricorn. Where the Sun is known as Atman, or the soul, Jupiter is known as JIVA, the consciousness of the soul representing the individuality of self.

Where Venus is a Brahmin and follows the Brigu lineage of Brahmin sages, Jupiter is also a Brahmin and follows the Angiras lineage of Brahmin sages. Jupiter’s epithets are sacred and many: “Lord of sacred speech”, “Lord of power”, “Guru of the Gods”, “reader of minds” and “beloved by the Gods”.

Jupiter is a karaka or indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion and faith, spirituality, charity, morality, meditation, mantra, children, magistrates, ministers, lawyers and leaders in government and religion. Jupiter represents sacred scripture, wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. Jupiter’s most favored position is in the first. He does well both in the Kendra’s and Angles, and the auspicious Trikonal Houses. His nature is KAPHA, or watery. His gemstone is Yellow Sapphire or Yellow Topaz and his metal is Gold. Jupiter’s direction is Northeast and his day is Thursday. As a benefice planet he reaches full maturity the earliest of the 9 grahas at age 16.

Worship of BRIHASPATI or GURU (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is revered as the Guru of Devas, protector of the world and is considered SRESHTA (matchless) among the wise. Kind-hearted he is considered the Loka Guru and dispenser of justice and can be known only by a proper study of the Vedas. Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter. The legend that depict the influence of the worship of BRIHASPATI goes as follows, and is narrated whenever a worship or offering is made to the deity.

There was a certain king who had seven sons and their wives. Two Brahmins used to come there to beg alms but the wives returned them, empty handed. Therefore Jupiter deity was displeased with them, which affected adversely the prosperity and wealth of the king. When there was devastation in the kingdom and the king neared poverty, the youngest wife sought excuse from the Brahmins and started giving them alms but still the elder six denied alms to the Brahmins. The youngest wife asked the Brahmins the remedy for getting over the bad days. The Brahmins advised to keep a fast for Brihaspati to feed Brahmins. If anyone’ s husband has gone to a foreign country, then that woman should make two human figures behind the door; that would result in early safe return of the husband. If the family is stricken with poverty then those figures should be made on a box.

The king’s seven sons had already gone on a foreign tour. The youngest wife observed the ritual as advised. Her husband had gone to a place, the king of which died. The king had no son. To find a suitable successor, a garland was hung on the horn of a female elephant so that whosoever is garlanded by it, he shall be the king as per the tradition of that kingdom. The elephant went all around and ultimately put the garland round youngest son’s neck. He became the king. He searched for his brothers, but in vain for the sake of public welfare, the new king decided to construct a tank. Thousands of laborers were engaged, among whom his brothers also came. He called all of them took them to his palace and all started living peacefully. The worship and alms by the youngest wife brought prosperity back to the family. Then all other wives also started Brihaspati fast and worship. No one was ever refused alms by them, anymore.

 

Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter)
Brahmaa’s one of the 10 Maanas Putra was Angiraa [6] . Angiraa was married to Shraddhaa – one of the 9 daughters of Kardam Rishi and had three sons – Utathya, Brihaspati (read Brihaspati’s Vrat Kathaa here, and his own story here) and Samvart. Where Shukra (Venus) is a Braahman and follows Bhrigu’s (another Maanas Putra of Brahmaa) lineage, Brihaspati (Jupiter) is also a Braahman and follows Angiraa’s lineage.

He has a strange story of his birth. Angira’s wife Shraddhaa, who was another creation of Brahma, was unfaithful to her husband during her pregnancy and as a result she gave birth to a stillborn child. However she repented for her mistake and was able to regain the favor of Angiraa. Angiraa then gave life to the child, who was then named Brihaspati.

Brihaspati had two wives – Shubh and Taaraa. Hs first wife Shubh gave birth to 7 daughters – Bhaanumatee, Raakaa, Archishmatee, Mahaamatee, Mahishmatee, Sineevaalee, and Havishmatee; his second wife Taaraa gave birth to 7 sons and one daughter. He had two sons from his brother Utathya’s wife Mamataa also – Kach and Bharadwaaj. When he had Mamataa, Mamataa was already pregnant. As he tried to impregnate her, her child in her womb protested, but Brihaspati cursed him for his objection that he should be born with utter darkness. That child was Deerghtamaa who was born blind just because of Brihaspati’s Shaap. Brihaspati’s own child was Bharadwaaj who was immediately born. Both Brihaspati and Mamataa did not take care of the child so they abandoned him there only. Maruts found him, named him as Bharadwaaj, and brought him up. He was later adopted by King Dushyant.

Brihaspati attained his position as the preceptor of the Devtaa by performing penances on the banks of Prabhaas Teerth. Lord Shiv granted him this position, as well as his position as one of the Nava Grahas (nine planets).

In the Bhagavad Geetea, Shree Krishn teaches that among the priests, He is Brihaspati, that shows that He addresses Brihaspati as the highest, and proves that Brihaspati is like Bhagavaan Himself.

Brihaspati in Jyotish

In Jyotish (Hindu astrology), Brihaspati is the name for the planet Jupiter, which is one of the Nava Graha (cosmic influencers) or planets. It is also known as Guru, Kuraa and Devaguru. Brihaspati is considered to be the greatest benefic of any of the planets. He rules over the signs Dhanus (Sagittarius) and Meen (Pisces), he is exalted in Kark (Cancer) and is fallen in Makar Capricorn) signs. The Sun, Moon and Mars are considered friendly to Brihaspati, Mercury is hostile and Saturn is neutral.

Brihaspati is the Lord of three Nakshatras or lunar mansions: Punarvasu, Vishaakhaa and Poorv-Bhaadrapad. Yellow colored items, like yellow cloth, Moong Daal, Chanaa Daal, jaggry etc, are considered associated with Brihaspati: his color is yellow, metal is gold and gemstone is yellow topaz. The season associated with him is winter (snow), direction is north-east and element is ether or space.

Guru in Vedic astrology is considered to be of the element ether (space) or Aakaash Tattwa (Aakaash = Space/Sky/Aether; Tattwa = Essence/Category/Truth). This indicates vastness, growth and expansion in a person’s horoscope and life. Brihaspati also represents the balance of past Karm, religion, philosophy, knowledge and issues relating to offspring. He is concerned with education, teaching and the dispensation of knowledge. Humans with Jupiter dominating in their horoscope could grow fat as life progresses and their empire and prosperity increases; and diabetes is an ailment directly related to Jupiter. According to traditional Hindu astrology, worship or propitiation of Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter) results in cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps ward off sins.

Brihaspati is a Kaarak or indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion and faith, spirituality, charity, morality, meditation, Mantra, children, Magistrates, ministers, lawyers, leaders in government and religion. He represents wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. His most favored position in a chart is 1st House, but he does well both in the Kendra and Angles and the auspicious Trikon Houses. As a benefic planet, he reaches full maturity at the earliest of the Nine Grahas – at the age of 16.

Worship of Brihaspati results in a cure for ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his sins, helps him in gaining strength, valor and longevity etc. He grants the boon of fatherhood to the childless, and good education. He should be worshipped on Thursdays. The following story goes whenever he is worshipped —

Story to be Told on Thursday

There lived a King who had 7 sons and their wives. Two Braahmans used to come to them to beg the alms from them, but the wives used to return them empty handed. Therefore Brihaspati Dev got angry with them, so he took all wealth from the King. When poverty reigned all over the kingdom, the youngest wife sought forgiveness of those Braahman and started giving them alms. But the elder 6 wives still denied alms to them. The youngest wife asked the Braahman the remedy to getting over their bad days. The Braahman advised her to keep fast on Thursdays and feed Braahman. If anyone’s husband has gone to foreign country, then she should make two human figures behind the door that would make sure his early safe return. If the family is stricken with poverty then these figures should be made on a box.

The King’s 7 sons had already gone to far countries, so the youngest wife observed all the rituals as advised by those Braahman. Her husband had gone to a country whose king had died. The King had no son. So after his death his people were looking for a successor. To find a suitable successor, they hung a garland on the horn of a female elephant. Now that she-elephant will put that garland in whoever’s neck he will be the next King of that country according to their tradition.

The she-elephant was going all around, and she put that garland in the youngest son’s neck. Now he became the king of that country. He searched for his brothers but in vain. He had to build a tank for his people, so he engaged thousands of laborers. Among them were his brothers also. He called all of them, took them to his palace and all started living peacefully. Seeing this effect of Brihaspati’s Vrat, all other wives also started keeping it and all of them became prosperous.