Brihaspati

In Hindu mythology, Brihaspati is the guru of the Devas and the arch-nemesis of Shukracharya, the guru of the Danavas. He is also known Ganapati and Brahmanaspati. His name is written in Vedic Sanskrit as Bŗhaspati with two udātta accents, probably representing two words bŗhas pati, with the same meaning as his other name Brahmanas pati: "the lord of prayer"; bŗhas would be genitive of a noun stem bŗh-.

Brihaspati is also the name of an ancient Indian philosopher who is considered as the founder of the atheistic system of thought Lokayata.

A mantras by Vishwamitra from the Rigveda dedicated to Brihaspati declares:

Vŗşabham charşninam vishwarupamdabhyam | Vrihaspatim-varenyam

- O Great Men! We sing the praise of Brihaspati (the preceptor of the gods) for the joy of learning and for success in all our good actions. He is the most respectable and the greatest. His wishes are inviolable and we gain in (spiritual) strength by following in His footsteps.
 Mention in Hindu Mythology
Brihaspati is the son of rishi Angirasa and Surupa according to the Shiva Purana. He has two brothers named Utathya and Samvartana. He has three wives. His first wife Shuba gave birth to Bhanumati, Raaka, Archishmati, Mahamati, Mahishmati, Sinivalli, and Havishmati, his seven daughters. His second wife Tara gives birth to seven sons and a daughter. Through his third wife Mamata, he has two sons, Kacha and Bharadwaja.

He attained his position as the preceptor of the Devas, by performing penances on the banks of Prabhas Tirtha. Lord Shiva granted him this position, as well as his position as one of the Navagrahas (nine planets). The planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology is known as Guru, Brihaspati, Cura and Devaguru. According to traditional Hindu astrology, worship or propitiation of Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter) results in cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps ward off sins. Guru in Vedic astrology is considered to be of Akaash Tatva (i.e.Category = Sky). This indicates vastness, growth and expansion in a person's horoscope and life. Eg Humans with Jupiter dominating in their horoscope could grow fat as life progresses, their empire and prosperity could increase etc. Diabetes is a ailment directly related to Jupiter.

The mantras are chanted on japa beads of 108 beads per string. They are similar to rosaries.

The Jupiter's mantra may be recited for 19,000 times and puja performed with yellow flowers. Begin recitation on a Thursday during the bright half of the Moon.

Presence of 'Ganesh yantra' at the place of recitation may help you in achieving the desired results faster.

Gayatri Mantra for Jupiter:

"Om Suraachaarya Vidmahe, Surasreshtaya dhimahi, tanno guruh prachodayat"

This Gayatri mantra consists of three parts. The first is the chants to the Jupiter. The second is the mantra proper. The third is a summary of the mantra's energies. You may also opt to chant following Puranic mantra for propiating the Jupiter (19,000 times).

Devanam ca rishinam gurun kañchana-sannibhham buddhi-bhutam tri-lokesham tam namami brihaspatim

When translated in English, it means:

"I bow down to Brihaspati, god of the planet Jupiter. He is the spiritual master of all the demigods and sages. His complexion is golden, and he is full of intelligence. He is the controlling lord of all three worlds."

Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution and effect.

How to sit: Sitting in position which maximizes the total effect of mantras is desirable. According to the ancient systems, the lotus posture is the best asana for meditation and for mantras. Other asanas (postures) which are recommended in order of effect for meditation or the practice of mantras are:

1. Padma Asana 2. Vaira Asana 3. Siddha Asana or Vajra Asana.

Once you have decided upon the asana for a particular mantra, you must use the same mantra for the duration of the chanting. You can sit on the earth ( as distinct from floor), on a deer skin, a tiger skin, a wooden platform, a cotton or plant fibre mat. Synthetic materials should not be used.

Where to chant: Mantras should be chanted in a quiet place. Once a place has been chosen, it should become permanent for all practical purposes.

Best time: The best time for chanting mantras is the Brahmamahurta ( 4 a.m.). Other good times are the transition periods i.e. when night is turning into day ( dawn and sunrise), when day is turning into night (twilight and sunset). You can also choose the time before going to bed. Having chosen your time, you should be regular about the hours and duration of your chanting.

Position: If chanting mantras during the day time, you should sit facing the north or the east. If chanting mantras during the night, you should sit facing the north.

Rosary: Generally, a mala or rosary of 108 Rudraksha or tulsi (basil) or sandalwood beads is used when chanting mantras. According to ancient texts, the following beads can be used for chanting specific mantras:

1. For obtaining wealth : Rosary of coral beads 2. For begetting children : Rosary of Putrajiva beads 3. For fulfillment of desires : Rosary of crystals

Preferably, your rosary should not be visible to others when you are using it. Covering your hand with a cloth or a specially made covering is a common practice. With the rosary hanging over the middle, ring and index finger of the right hand, the thumb and middle finger are generally used to roll the beads. You must not cross the ' head' of the rosary when rolling the beads and must revert to the head after completing a rosary.

How often: The number of times a mantra has to be chanted is usually specified. Normally, it is considered auspicious to chant a mantra 11 times, or 108 times or in multiples of 108. Once you have fixed upon the number, you can increase it but cannot decrease it.