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About the Author
Raja Ratnam is a passionate researcher and writer specializing in Indian mythology and epic stories.
With years of experience studying texts like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other cultural scriptures,
he brings insightful interpretations and practical lessons from these timeless stories.
Raja Ratnam believes in making mythology accessible and meaningful for modern readers,
helping them understand the moral, ethical, and cultural significance behind characters like
Ramudu, Laxman, Shani Deva, and many more.
Connect with the author: info@ratnamstrategy.com
Introduction
Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter): In the grand cosmic family of the Navagrahas, Guru (Brihaspati) shines as the planet of wisdom, righteousness (dharma), knowledge, and divine counsel.
Known as Devaguru — the preceptor of the Devas — he is revered not just as a planet influencing destiny, but as a living embodiment of divine wisdom and truth.
Where Surya represents energy and life, and Chandra reflects emotion and mind, Guru governs knowledge, faith, and morality — the spiritual compass that guides humanity toward enlightenment.
In astrology, Jupiter symbolizes expansion, prosperity, optimism, and justice. His blessings bring spiritual understanding, wealth, and harmony in life.
In mythology, he stands as the Guru of the Devas, constantly guiding them against ignorance and ego.
Mythological Origin of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)
The origins of Brihaspati are described in the Rig Veda and later in the Puranas such as the Brahmanda Purana and Matsya Purana.
Brihaspati is the son of Sage Angiras, one of the Saptarishis, and Shraddha Devi.
From birth, he radiated extraordinary brilliance and wisdom. His intellect and mastery of the Vedas were so profound that even the Devas sought his counsel.
Recognizing his spiritual might, Lord Indra appointed Brihaspati as the Guru and priest of the Devas. From that moment, he became the eternal symbol of dharma and divine knowledge.
Brihaspati’s younger brother, Shukracharya (Venus), became the Guru of the Asuras — symbolizing the eternal duality between divine wisdom (Guru) and material intellect (Shukra).
This cosmic balance between them reflects the spiritual truth — wisdom and desire coexist in creation, but it is dharma that must guide both.
Guru and the War of Wisdom
During the celestial wars between Devas and Asuras, Brihaspati always led the gods with spiritual strategy rather than brute strength.
He taught that victory born of righteousness is greater than conquest through power.
In one legend, when Indra grew arrogant after his victories, Brihaspati withdrew his guidance. Immediately, chaos struck the heavens, and the Devas realized their folly — without the Guru’s wisdom, even the most powerful fall.
This story reminds us that knowledge and humility are inseparable.
Symbolism of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)
- Color: Yellow or Golden
- Direction: North-East (Ishanya)
- Day: Thursday (Guruvar)
- Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj)
- Metal: Gold
- Mantra: “ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरवे नमः”
- Vehicle: Elephant or Chariot drawn by eight horses
- Deity Association: Lord Vishnu (Wisdom & Preservation)
Brihaspati represents the divine spark of learning that elevates human consciousness. He is the guardian of sacred speech (Vach) and the protector of teachers, priests, and philosophers.
Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter) in Hindu Scriptures
Brihaspati’s divine presence is deeply woven into the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
He is not just the Guru of the Devas but the embodiment of divine knowledge, speech, and sacred truth.
In the Rig Veda
In the Rig Veda (10.68), Brihaspati is invoked as “the Lord of sacred speech (Vachaspati)”, who awakens divine understanding in the hearts of men.
He is said to have dispelled the darkness of ignorance and opened the path of truth through his divine words.
In the Puranas
According to the Brahmanda Purana and Skanda Purana, Brihaspati performed deep penance to please Lord Shiva and gained the knowledge of all spiritual sciences.
As Devaguru, he guides Indra, Surya, and all celestial beings during cosmic crises.
He is also mentioned as the composer of many hymns and the inventor of ritual speech (mantra shastra).
Brihaspati and Indra
One of the most touching stories from the Mahabharata reveals that when Indra became proud of his position, Brihaspati withdrew his counsel.
Immediately, demons (Asuras) began overpowering the Devas. Only when Indra repented and begged forgiveness did Guru return — restoring divine order.
This teaches that even gods must bow to wisdom.
Brihaspati and Tara
A well-known tale tells of Tara, Brihaspati’s wife, who was abducted by Chandra (the Moon God).
From their union was born Budha (Mercury) — symbolizing the balance between mind and wisdom.
This myth represents the cycle of intellect emerging from both knowledge and emotion, a cosmic harmony that defines human consciousness.
Astrological Significance of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter) (Guru in Astrology)
In Vedic astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru Graha, the planet of expansion, higher learning, and fortune.
He governs wisdom, spirituality, wealth, justice, marriage harmony, and optimism.
Key Attributes:
- Element: Ether (Akasha Tattva)
- Nature: Benefic (auspicious)
- Gender: Male
- Caste: Brahmin
- Temperament: Peaceful, wise, forgiving
- Governs: Knowledge, prosperity, morality, faith, teachers, law, and divine grace
Brihaspati’s Placement in the 12 Houses
Each house in astrology reveals how Jupiter’s energy manifests in different aspects of life.
- Guru in 1st House: Blesses intelligence, optimism, and divine glow — the native is respected and wise.
- Guru in 2nd House: Brings wealth, eloquence, and family prosperity.
- Guru in 3rd House: Enhances courage, communication, and righteous effort.
- Guru in 4th House: Grants peace, comfort, and maternal blessings.
- Guru in 5th House: Extremely auspicious — bestows intelligence, virtuous children, and creative vision.
- Guru in 6th House: Teaches humility through service; may bring struggles but ends in spiritual growth.
- Guru in 7th House: Harmonious marriage, spiritual spouse, and divine companionship.
- Guru in 8th House: Deep spiritual awakening, interest in occult, and long life.
- Guru in 9th House: Ideal placement — dharma, higher learning, and divine protection.
- Guru in 10th House: Success through righteousness and ethics; fame through good deeds.
- Guru in 11th House: Expands wealth, social circle, and blessings from elders.
- Guru in 12th House: Spiritual liberation, detachment, and guidance toward moksha.
Guru Dosha (Afflictions of Jupiter)
When Jupiter is afflicted by malefic planets like Rahu, Ketu, or Saturn, it may cause:
- Misguided faith or false teachers
- Financial or moral decline
- Delay in marriage
- Loss of wisdom or arrogance
However, through sincere devotion, mantra chanting, yellow offerings, and Guruvar fasting, this Dosha can be purified.
Because Jupiter never truly punishes — he educates through experience.
The Scientific Perspective: Planet Jupiter in Astronomy
While the ancients saw Brihaspati as the celestial Guru, modern science identifies Jupiter as the largest planet in our solar system — a giant of wisdom and gravity.
Key Astronomical Facts:
- Diameter: ~143,000 km (more than 11 times Earth’s size)
- Composition: Hydrogen and helium — a gas giant
- Moons: 95 known moons, including the four large Galilean moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto
- Day Length: Just under 10 Earth hours — the fastest rotating planet
- Orbit: Takes around 12 Earth years to circle the Sun
Jupiter acts as a cosmic shield — its enormous gravity protects Earth from asteroids and comets.
It’s literally our guardian planet, reflecting Guru’s mythological role as the protector of the Devas.
The famous Great Red Spot, a storm larger than Earth, symbolizes the unstoppable energy and endurance of this mighty planet.
In both science and spirituality, Jupiter stands for expansion, wisdom, and protection — connecting the material cosmos to higher consciousness.
Spiritual Symbolism of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)
In Vedic philosophy, Brihaspati represents the light of divine knowledge that burns away ignorance.
His name literally means “the Lord of Prayer” or “Master of Sacred Speech”.
Symbolic Meanings:
- Wisdom over Power: Knowledge conquers even divine might.
- Faith over Fear: Trust in dharma brings inner stability.
- Teaching over Conquering: The greatest leaders are teachers.
Jupiter’s expansive nature signifies the soul’s growth beyond ego, moving from material learning to jnana (divine wisdom).
Lessons from the Guru Graha in Modern Life
Even in today’s digital age, the energy of Brihaspati is deeply relevant.
He teaches how to balance intelligence with ethics and success with humility.
Modern Lessons from Guru:
- Lifelong Learning: True wisdom grows every day — stay curious.
- Ethical Leadership: Lead through example, not authority.
- Faith in the Good: Dharma may test you, but it never abandons you.
- Generosity: The more knowledge and wealth you share, the more it multiplies.
- Patience: Jupiter teaches expansion through time — slow, steady growth.
When Guru’s blessings awaken within, you become a teacher, not just a student of life.
Worship and Remedies of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)
Day: Thursday (Guruvar)
Color: Yellow
Offerings: Chana dal, yellow flowers, turmeric, yellow cloth, and ghee lamps
Mantra:
“ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरवे नमः”
Simple Ritual:
- Wear clean yellow clothes on Thursdays.
- Chant the above mantra 108 times.
- Offer water and yellow flowers to Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati idol.
- Donate to teachers, priests, or students — symbolizing knowledge sharing.
Remedy for Guru Dosha:
Keep faith, study sacred texts, avoid arrogance, and honor your teachers.
Brihaspati’s grace flows to the humble seeker.
Guru and the Path to Moksha
While other planets test and transform, Guru liberates.
He opens the spiritual mind, guiding souls beyond karma toward jnana (true knowledge).
In meditation, Jupiter’s energy corresponds to the Ajna (Third Eye) and Sahasrara (Crown) Chakras, activating divine understanding.
When awakened, one perceives the unity of creation — the supreme truth of dharma.
Mythological, Astrological & Spiritual FAQs
1 Who is Brihaspati in Hinduism?
Brihaspati, also known as Guru or Jupiter, is the Devaguru — the teacher and counsellor of the gods. He embodies divine wisdom, dharma, and spiritual truth.
2 Who are the parents of Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)?
He is the son of Sage Angiras (one of the Saptarishis) and Shraddha Devi.
3 Why is Brihaspati called “Guru”?
Because he is the spiritual guide (Guru) of the Devas, leading them on the path of righteousness and truth.
4 Who is the consort of Brihaspati?
His wife is Tara Devi, and their son is Kacha, known for learning the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya from Shukracharya.
5 Which day is dedicated to Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)?
Thursday (Guruvar).
6 What colour and gemstone are associated with Jupiter?
Colour: Yellow or golden.
Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj).
7 What does Jupiter represent in astrology?
Jupiter represents wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, faith, justice, and divine grace.
8 What happens when Jupiter is strong in a horoscope?
It blesses the person with wealth, optimism, higher learning, and moral strength.
9 What are the effects of a weak or afflicted Jupiter?
It can cause confusion, financial instability, false beliefs, or loss of moral compass — known as Guru Dosha.
10 How can Guru Dosha be remedied?
By chanting Guru mantras, observing fasts on Thursdays, and honoring teachers and elders.
11 What is Brihaspati’s vehicle (vahana)?
An elephant or a chariot drawn by eight white horses.
12 Which direction does Brihaspati rule?
The North-East (Ishanya Kona).
13 Which gods are associated with Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter)?
Lord Vishnu (Wisdom & Preservation) and Saraswati Devi (Knowledge & Learning).
14 What is Brihaspati’s mantra?
“ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरवे नमः”
15 What is the spiritual significance of Jupiter?
He represents the higher mind — the bridge between human intellect and divine wisdom.
16 What is the difference between Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter) and Shukracharya?
Brihaspati guides the Devas (spiritual wisdom), while Shukracharya guides the Asuras (material mastery).
17 How does Jupiter influence education and teaching?
A strong Jupiter blesses one with intelligence, eloquence, and the gift to teach or preach truth.
18 What is Jupiter’s role in marriage astrology?
For women, Jupiter represents the husband; for men, it symbolizes righteousness and family harmony.
19 What happens when Guru (Brihaspati / Jupiter) transits your zodiac sign?
Each transit lasts about one year and brings growth, learning, and opportunities according to the house it enters.
20 What is the ultimate blessing of Brihaspati?
True understanding — the realization of dharma and liberation (moksha) through wisdom.
