Introduction to Devguru Brihaspati
In Hinduism and Vedic astrology, Devguru Brihaspati is revered as the symbol of knowledge, religion, virtue and divine guidance. Brihaspati is famous as the guru and teacher of the gods. He is not only the source of knowledge but is also considered the protector of sacrifice, religion and Vedic tradition. In astrology, the planet Brihaspati is considered a very auspicious and benevolent planet, which gives prosperity, knowledge, happiness of children and spiritual progress in life.
Jupiter is known by many sacred names like “Guru”, “Devacharya” and “Grahapurohit”. He is the lord of Thursday and this day is considered especially auspicious for his worship. It is believed that with the grace of Devguru Brihaspati, knowledge, good intelligence, spirituality and social prestige develop in a person's life.
Origin of Devguru Brihaspati
The Puranas describe that Brihaspati was the son of Maharishi Angira and Devi Surupa. From childhood, he was endowed with extraordinary knowledge, brilliance and penance. According to the Skanda Purana, Brihaspati worshipped Lord Shiva harshly at Prabhas Tirtha. Pleased with his severe penance, Lord Shiva granted him the position of Devguru and the boon of planetary status.
As the guru of the gods, Brihaspati holds special importance in Yajna, Havan and Vedic rituals. According to belief, he is also the one who delivers the offerings and the fruits of the sacrifice to the gods. Jupiter always protects those who follow the path of righteousness and religion and opposes unrighteousness.
Importance of Jupiter, the god of gods
In Vedic astrology, Jupiter is considered to be extremely auspicious and benevolent. The good influence of Jupiter provides a person with knowledge, education, spirituality, respect, leadership and happiness and prosperity. Jupiter is of special importance for teachers, spiritual masters, lawyers, astrologers and religious leaders.
If Jupiter is strong in the horoscope, the person gets good intelligence, happiness of children, wealth and prestige. While in a weak state, the person has to experience obstacles in education, financial difficulties and reduced decision-making ability. To obtain the grace of Jupiter, it is considered auspicious to fast on Thursday, wear yellow topaz gemstone and chant the Guru Mantra.
Family of Devguru Brihaspati
The father of Brihaspati Dev is Maharishi Angira and the mother is Devi Surupa. The Puranas mention his three wives — Shubha, Tara and Mamata. It is narrated that Budha Dev was born from his wife Tara, who is also considered the founder of the Chandravansh.
Many sons and daughters of Brihaspati Dev are also mentioned. Kach and Bharadwaj are among his famous sons. He is revered throughout the Devlok as the guide of the gods and a symbol of knowledge.
Description of the form of Devguru Brihaspati
In the religious texts, Brihaspati Dev is depicted with yellow and golden radiance. He is usually seated on a lotus in a quadrangular form. His hands are shown holding a staff, a lotus, a rudraksha garland and a wedding seal.
In some paintings, Lord Brihaspati is depicted with a kamandal and scriptures. His divine chariot is described as being pulled by eight yellow horses. This form of his is considered to symbolize knowledge, religion and divine light.
Importance of Jupiter in Astrology
In Vedic astrology, the planet Jupiter is the lord of Sagittarius and Pisces. He is considered to be the ruler of the Punarvasu, Visakha and Purvabhadrapad nakshatras. The Mahadasha of Jupiter lasts for 16 years and during this period, special results of knowledge, wealth and spiritual development are seen in a person's life.
According to astrology, Jupiter is considered to be exalted in Cancer and debased in Capricorn. Yellow color, gold, topaz and Thursday are the auspicious elements associated with Jupiter. Auspicious Jupiter gives a person religiousness, respect and a happy life.
Mantras of Devguru Jupiter
॥ ॐ उम बृहसपते नमहसपते ॥
॥ॐ उम ग्रां ग्रां गुरवे नमहसपते ॥
॥ॐ उम आंगिरसाय विदयुधाय ॥.
Festivals associated with Devguru Brihaspati
Guru Pushya Yoga and special fasts on Thursday are important religious occasions associated with Devguru Brihaspati. On these days, devotees offer yellow flowers, gram dal and saffron to seek the blessings of Gurudev.
Famous temples of Devguru Brihaspati
The Alangudi Brihaspati temple in Tamil Nadu holds a special place among the Navagraha temples. Thousands of devotees come here to visit for the removal of Gurudosh and for gaining enlightenment.
Apart from this, the Brihaspati Dham temple in Rajasthan and the Guru Brihaspati temple in Kashi are also considered very popular pilgrimage sites among devotees.