Brihaspateshwara Mahadev is a unique and rare form of Lord
Shiva that is venerated in select temples across India. This particular form is
closely associated with Brihaspati, the divine sage and guru of the Devas, who
is also the planet Jupiter's presiding deity. Devotees primarily worship
Brihaspateshwara Mahadev on Thursdays, known as Guruvar or Brihaspativar in
Hindi, which is a day dedicated to Brihaspati.
One notable temple dedicated to Brihaspateshwara Mahadev is
located in the ancient city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This shrine is situated
in close proximity to two other significant temples: the Sankatmochan Hanuman
Temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, and the Swapneshwara Mahadev Temple,
another important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
In the Brihaspateshwara Mahadev temple, Brihaspati Dev is
worshipped in the form of a Shivling, a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva.
The Shivling is a common feature in Shiva temples and is considered a powerful
representation of divine energy and the universe's creation.
Devotees offer a variety of items during their worship, with
a particular emphasis on yellow flowers and other yellow-colored puja items.
The color yellow is significant in this worship as it is associated with
Brihaspati, who is believed to bring wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
Yellow is also considered auspicious and is said to attract positive cosmic
energy.
Thursday holds special importance for the worshippers of
Brihaspateshwara Mahadev. On this day, devotees perform rituals and offer
prayers to seek the blessings of Brihaspati for wisdom, knowledge, and success
in their endeavors. The rituals may include chanting specific mantras,
performing abhishekam (ritualistic bathing of the Shivling), and offering
yellow flowers, turmeric, and other yellow items, which are symbolic of
Brihaspati's divine attributes.
In summary, the Brihaspateshwara Mahadev temple in Ujjain is a unique center of worship that blends the reverence of Lord Shiva with the attributes of Brihaspati. This temple provides a sacred space for devotees to seek guidance and blessings, especially on Thursdays, through a variety of traditional offerings and rituals centered around the auspicious color yellow.