Guru
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.
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| GURU AS SEEN IN TEMPLES |
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.
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