Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Brihaspati (Jupiter) in Hinduism
Brihaspati, also known as Jupiter in Vedic astrology, is the teacher of the gods (Devas) and the epitome of wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality. Worshiping Brihaspati helps devotees seek blessings for prosperity, wisdom, wealth, and good health. It is believed that strengthening the influence of Brihaspati in one's life removes obstacles, ensures success in education and career, and promotes overall well-being.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
- Personal Cleanliness: Before performing the puja, take a bath to purify the body. Cleanliness is a fundamental aspect of Hindu rituals, as it ensures physical and mental purity while connecting to the divine.
- Puja Area Cleanliness: The place where you perform the puja should be neat and clean. Ensure that you wash the floor, clean the altar, and arrange the deity or image of Brihaspati properly.
2. Time for Worship
- Day: Thursday (Guruvar or Brihaspativar) is considered the most auspicious day for worshiping Brihaspati.
- Best Time: Early morning during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 4:30 am to 6:00 am) is the best time for the puja. However, the puja can also be performed during any auspicious time of the day if morning time is not convenient.
- Duration of Puja: The puja can last from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the depth of your ritual.
3. Clothes to Wear
- Preferred Colors: Yellow is the color associated with Brihaspati. Devotees are advised to wear yellow-colored clothes during the puja as it signifies auspiciousness and is connected to Jupiter.
- Alternative: Avoid wearing black or blue clothes as they are generally associated with Saturn (Shani). Yellow or white is ideal, and if unavailable, light-colored, clean clothing can be worn.
4. Puja Items Required
To perform Brihaspati Puja, the following items are needed:
- A yellow cloth to cover the altar or place where the puja will be conducted.
- Deity’s image or a brass idol of Brihaspati or Lord Vishnu, as Vishnu is also associated with Jupiter.
- Yellow flowers, such as marigolds.
- Yellow sandalwood paste (Chandan) for tilak.
- Yellow fruits like bananas or mangoes.
- Chana dal (yellow lentils) or any yellow grains.
- Ghee (clarified butter) for the lamp.
- Turmeric powder (Haldi).
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti).
- Diya (lamp), preferably with ghee.
- Rice and uncooked lentils for offering.
- Honey, jaggery, and milk for prasad.
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar).
5. Simple Steps to Perform Brihaspati Puja
- Preparation: Set up the altar, clean it, and spread the yellow cloth. Place the image or idol of Brihaspati or Lord Vishnu on the altar.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light a diya using ghee to invoke divine energy. Light incense sticks to purify the environment.
- Offerings: Offer yellow flowers, fruits, chana dal, turmeric, and sandalwood paste to the deity.
- Apply Tilak: Apply a yellow sandalwood tilak (forehead mark) to the idol, and then apply the same to your forehead as a symbol of blessing.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite Brihaspati's mantra with devotion. The most commonly chanted mantra is:
- "Om Brihaspataye Namaha" – Chant this mantra 108 times using a rosary (mala) of yellow beads or Tulsi mala.
- Prayers: Offer your prayers to Brihaspati for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
- Offering Prasad: Offer yellow sweets, such as besan ladoos or jaggery-based sweets, as prasad to the deity.
- Aarti: Perform aarti with the ghee diya, moving it in a circular motion in front of the deity while chanting or singing hymns dedicated to Brihaspati.
6. Prasad Preparation
The prasad offered to Brihaspati is usually something made from yellow ingredients:
- Sweet Chana Dal or Besan Halwa: Made using yellow lentils, jaggery, and ghee.
- Besan Ladoo: A sweet ball made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar.
- Bananas or Mangoes can also be offered as prasad.
7. Mantras and Prayers
Some of the important mantras dedicated to Brihaspati are:
- Gayatri Mantra for Brihaspati:
- "Om Gurave Namah"
- "Om Brihaspataye Vidmahe, Divyadehaya Dhimahi, Tanno Guru Prachodayat"
- Brihaspati Stotra: Reciting the Brihaspati Stotra, which glorifies the divine teacher and seeks his blessings for success, wisdom, and guidance.
8. How to Conclude the Puja
- After offering the prasad and performing the aarti, bow down in front of the deity with folded hands and seek blessings.
- Recite the Brihaspati prayer for blessings and success.
- Distribute the prasad to family members, relatives, or any guests present.
9. Importance and Benefits of Brihaspati Puja
Worshiping Brihaspati on Thursdays has immense spiritual and material benefits, including:
- Wisdom and Knowledge: Brihaspati is the embodiment of wisdom. Worshiping him enhances intellectual ability, focus, and spiritual knowledge.
- Health and Well-being: Those suffering from health-related problems caused by the malefic influence of Jupiter can benefit greatly from the puja.
- Financial Prosperity: Brihaspati puja brings financial stability, wealth, and business growth.
- Improved Relationships: It helps to maintain harmony in relationships, particularly within the family.
- Removes Obstacles: The puja removes obstacles and brings good fortune in education, career, and marriage.
10. Handling Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Fruits: The flowers used in the puja can be placed in a garden or under a tree, as they have been sanctified. Avoid throwing them in the trash.
- Prasad: Consume the prasad with reverence or distribute it to others. It is believed to be infused with the blessings of the deity.
- Water or Panchamrit: This can be poured into plants or consumed by devotees.
- Ash (if any from diya): You can apply the ash (vibhuti) to your forehead or store it in a sacred place.
- Remaining items (like turmeric, chana dal): These can be respectfully offered to nature, such as sprinkling in the garden, or used for other religious purposes.
The worship of Brihaspati is a simple but profound ritual that can be performed with devotion and reverence. The practice of offering prayers to Brihaspati regularly is believed to bring wisdom, success, and prosperity in all aspects of life. By following these steps with sincerity, devotees can invoke the blessings of the planet Jupiter and experience positive transformation in their lives.