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.