Guru Brihaspati Mandir Varanasi (Kashi)

Gururbrahma Gururvishnu Gururdev Maheshwarah
Guru Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Shrigurve Namah.

Sri Brihaspati Temple is located at Dashaswmedh Ghat Road in Varanasi/Kashi.Guru Brihaspati Mandir is dedicated to Lord Brihaspati. Brihaspati or Brhaspati is a famous Vedic era sage and he is called as Deva Guru.

Bṛihaspati is described as a sage born from the first great light, the one who drove away darkness, is bright and pure.His knowledge and character is revered,and he is considered Guru (teacher) by all the Devas. In the Vedic literature and other ancient texts, sage Brihaspati is also called by other names such as Bramanaspati, Purohita, Angirasa (son of Angiras).

In medieval mythologies particularly those associated with Hindu astrology, Brihaspati has a second meaning and refers to Jupiter.It became the root of the word ‘Brihaspativara’ or Thursday in the Hindu calendar.Brihaspati as Jupiter is part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system, considered auspicious and benevolent.

Temple Legends
Deva Guru Brihaspati Temple is situated near Dashashvamedh Ghat road. This place is adjacent to Lord Vishwanath Temple. The ancient Brihaspati Temple is always flocked by devotees. It is said that when Mahadev made Kashi his capital, then all the Gods from heaven also wanted to stay in Kashi-The city of liberation. Everyone requested to Shri Mahadev for a suitable place in Varanasi. Lord Shankar gave everyone a suitable place.

Lord Brihaspati who is the Guru of all Gods was offered a place very near to Lord Shiva’s Vishwanath temple. Since he is the Guru of all Gods, his place had to be above all other Gods. Hence the temple of Lord Brihaspati is situated on a slightly higher elevation than other Gods. This way all God can constantly view him from their own place.

Brihaspati or Guru was the son of Angiras. He was having all the good qualities of a gentleman, leader, good Samaritan, respectful to the elders and teachers etc.
He came to Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling and performed prayers to Lord Shiva for several years at a stretch.  Lord Shiva appeared before him through that Ling in the form of Jyoti (Divine Light).
On seeing Lord Shiva, Brihaspati became ecstatic and started singing praises of Lord Shiva whereupon the Lord granted that Brihaspati will be the Lord of all Devas. Since Brihaspati had sung prayers of Lord Shiva, the latter also granted that Brihaspati will be called  Vachaspati (having excellence in speech).

Deva Guru Brihaspati is deemed hallowed among all nine planets in astrology. He is a planet of wealth, auspiciousness and intellect and likes yellow things very much.Devotees offer him yellow clothes and yellow ‘Prasad'(yellow sweets, fruits etc). Devotees worship Guru Brihaspati and paste yellow Sandal and yellow turmeric in his hands as an offering, to get their wishes fulfilled. Traditionally Lord Birhaspati is believed to be the giver of knowledge, wisdom, good fortune, and marital happiness.

Thursday is very auspicious for the worship of Lord Brihaspati. According to the astrological scriptures, the Brihaspati(Jupiter)Planet is one of the most auspicious planets. If it is benefic in horoscope then the person is blessed with marital bliss, wealth and children.People with malefic visit this temple on Thursday and offer special poojas.