Guru Graha – Brihaspati (Jupiter) | Legends, Temples, Rituals & Devotional Hymns

 

Guru Graha – Brihaspati (Jupiter)

Planetary Identity

• Guru Graha: The preceptor of the Gods, representing Jupiter.
• Day: Thursday (Guruvar / Brihaspativar).
• Colour: Yellow‑golden; offerings include yellow flowers, turmeric, and golden‑hued items.
• Transit: Jupiter traverses each zodiac sign in about one year.

Scriptural & Cultural Significance

• Guru in Vedic Times: The guru acted as a medium between humans and gods, conveying prayers.
• Brihaspati: Revered as the lord of prayer and teacher of the gods, embodying wisdom and righteousness.
• Legends:
• Lord Vishnu once gave mantropadesam (initiation into sacred mantras) to Lord Brahma, becoming his guru.
• Hence, the place Kurugoor (Alwar Thirunagari) became associated with Guru Graha.
• Kurugoor is also the avatara sthalam of Nammalwar, one of the 108 Divyadesams and part of the Nava Tirupatis in Tirunelveli–Thoothukudi.

Temples of Guru Graha

• Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi (Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu):
• Lord Dakshinamurthy is worshipped here as Guru.
• Classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in Tevaram hymns by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar.
• Lakhs of devotees throng during Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter’s transit) to seek protection and blessings.

Devotional Literature

• Brihaspati Stotram: Describes Jupiter as compassionate, auspicious, remover of planetary afflictions, and teacher of the Devas.
• “Sudhaa drstirgrahadhiso grahapidapaharakah dayakarah saumyamurtih surarcyah kunmaladyutih”
• Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Kirtana (Athana Raga):
• Praises Jupiter as wielder of the thunderbolt, manifester of speech, and divine Kalpataru.
• “Brihaspate tarapate brahmajate namostute…”

Beliefs & Practices

• Offerings: Yellow flowers, turmeric, and golden‑coloured items are considered auspicious.
• Blessings: Worship of Guru Graha is believed to bring wisdom, prosperity, protection from planetary afflictions, and guidance in spiritual life.
• Guru Peyarchi: The day Jupiter transits into a new zodiac sign is celebrated with special pujas, drawing massive crowds at Alangudi.