Devguru Brihaspati Mandir Chaukee,Nagpur,Maharashtra
Devguru Brihaspati Mandir is located in Chaukee/Chauki (Vanagaram village) near Kanholibara, in Hingna taluka of Nagpur district, Maharashtra.The main deity is Lord Brihaspati (Guru Bhagavan) – the celestial teacher of the gods and the planetary ruler of Jupiter. He is worshipped here for blessings in wisdom, wealth, marriage, education, and spiritual progress.
Significance of Devguru Brihaspati
Devguru Brihaspati is the celestial teacher of the gods and the planetary lord of Jupiter. He represents wisdom, knowledge, spirituality, and good fortune. In astrology, Brihaspati is a highly positive force who brings blessings in education, marriage, wealth, and dharma (righteous living). Worshipping Brihaspati is believed to remove Guru dosha, improve decision-making, and lead to overall success in life. Thursdays are considered especially sacred for his worship.
Sthalapurana
Long ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, there was a powerful demon named Bakāsura who terrorized the people of a place called Chakranagar, near the present-day Chaukee village. The villagers lived in constant fear due to his cruelty and destructive acts.
In their time of distress, the Pandavas, who were wandering in exile, reached this region. Seeing the suffering of the people, Bheema, the strongest of the Pandava brothers, took a vow to free them from the demon’s grip. However, the task was not easy. To gain divine strength and blessings, Bheema began intense prayers and penance.
He offered his devotion to Devguru Brihaspati — the Guru (teacher) of the gods and the planet Jupiter in Hindu belief, known for wisdom, knowledge, and protection. Pleased with Bheema’s sincere devotion and noble intention, Brihaspati himself appeared in divine form and blessed Bheema with great wisdom, strength, and healing power.
After receiving the blessings, Bheema defeated Bakasura in a fierce battle and restored peace to the land. As a mark of gratitude, and to honor the divine presence of Brihaspati, the villagers built a small shrine at the very spot where he appeared. Over time, this evolved into the present-day Chaukee Brihaspati Temple.
The name “Chaukee” itself has historical roots. During British times, tribal families were appointed to guard the nearby forest and set up a check-post or ‘chaukee’. The name remained and became the identity of the village where this divine temple stands today.
Devotees believe that those who are facing problems due to weak Jupiter (Guru) in their horoscope — such as delays in marriage, career blocks, or spiritual setbacks — receive powerful blessings after offering prayers here. Worship performed at this sacred site is said to bring knowledge, peace, and prosperity.
Festivals
The temple sees special celebrations on Thursdays, which are considered highly auspicious for worshipping Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter). Devotees gather in large numbers especially on Guru Pushya Amrit Yoga days, Pushya Nakshatra Thursdays, and the day Jupiter changes zodiac signs (Guru Sankranti). On these days, special pujas, chanting of Guru mantras, and offerings of yellow items like sweets, cloth, and fruits are performed with devotion. These occasions are believed to bring blessings for knowledge, prosperity, and relief from astrological troubles.
