In Hinduism, every day is dedicated to a specific god in the Hindu pantheon. Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas.

Thursdays are said to be the ideal days to worship of the planet Jupiter. In order to cure any ailments related to stomach and to ward off any sins, praying to this Devata is recommended. It also aids in gaining strength, valour and longevity. He also grants the boon of father-hood to the childless.

God Shiva granted Brihaspati the position of Guru of the Devas as a result of his penance he performed on the banks of Prabhas Tirtha. He also attained the position as one of the Navagrahas.

In the ‪Bhagavad Geeta‬, Shree Krishna mentions “I am Brihaspati among the priests”.

With time, Brihaspati was identified with the planet of the same name, equated with Jupiter. He is thus one of the Navagrahas and is portrayed in temples on Navagraha panels. According to the Agni Puranas, his images should be decorated with a necklace of Rudraksha beads. Nitigosha is the name of Brihaspati’s chariot and it is said to be drawn by eight horses. In early reliefs, Brihaspati was said to be two-handed, known for holding a rosary and a water pot. In modern temples, he can be witness dressed in yellow and seated on a lotus, or on his chariot. He is featured with 4 arms holding a mace, a rosary and a sphere or water-pot.

According to the Shiva Purana, Brihaspati is the son of Rishi Angiras and Surupa. He has two brothers named Utathya and Samvartana, and has three wives. His first wife, Shuba, gave birth to Bhanumati, Raaka, Archishmati, Mahamati, Mahishmati, Sinivali, and Havishmati. His second wife, Tara, gave birth to seven sons and a daughter. Through Bṛahspati’s third wife, Mamata, he had two sons, Kacha and Bharadwaja. Tara, who later fell in love with Chandra, the moon and Budha (Mercury) was born to them.

After the war between Brihaspati and Chandra, Tara returned to her husband. Brihaspati’s another son Kacha was appointed to learn the Sanjivani mantra from Shukracharya, the guru of asuras. The mantra has the power to bring back the dead and hence gods sent Kacha to learn it. As a student there, Shukracharya’s daughter Devayani, fell in love with Kacha.

Impersonating as Shukracharya, Brihaspati is said to have taught the Asuras for 10 years. He is the designated “Vyasa of the fourth Dwapara” age.

Click here to get the temple listing of all Navagraha Temples.

Check out the video below to learn the Brihaspati Dev Mantra for good luck.