Brihaspati (Guru) Chalisa & Thursday Vrat Vidhi - Mantra & Benefits

Brihaspati, also called Guru, is the preceptor (guru) of the gods (devas) and the lord of the planet Jupiter. He is the giver of gyan (knowledge), wisdom, devotion, prosperity, children and a happy married life. A benefic and gentle graha, a strong Brihaspati in one's life brings respect, sound judgement, spiritual growth and timely marriage. He is depicted golden in colour, seated on a lotus or chariot, holding a staff, a kamandalu and a mala, radiating calm authority.

Thursday (Guruvar) is Brihaspati's day, and his worship is especially sought by those facing delays in marriage, weak finances, lack of focus in studies, or trouble conceiving children. A weak or afflicted Jupiter is linked to poor decisions, loss of respect and obstacles in life's growth. The colour yellow is dear to him, and his worship is closely connected with Lord Vishnu, whom many devotees honour together with Brihaspati on Thursdays.

The Brihaspati Chalisa praises Guru Dev as the teacher of the gods and the bestower of wisdom and fortune. It opens with a doha:

Pranavoun Pratham Guru charan, buddhi gyaan ke daan. Brihaspati ki chalisa, kahoon shubh shubh maan.

Chaupai (sample): Jai jai Brihaspati Devta swami, gyaan-daata jag mein abhirami. Pitambar shubh peet biraaje, mala-kamandal kar mein saaje.

The verses describe his golden form and his power to grant learning, marriage and prosperity to sincere devotees.

The core mantra is:

Om Brihaspataye Namah

Vidhi: 1. On Thursday, bathe and wear clean yellow clothes; face north-east. 2. Light a ghee lamp before an image of Brihaspati or Lord Vishnu. 3. Offer yellow flowers, chana dal, turmeric, jaggery and yellow sweets. 4. Chant Om Brihaspataye Namah 108 times, preferably on a yellow or tulsi mala. 5. Recite the Brihaspati Chalisa, then perform the aarti. 6. Donate chana dal, turmeric, yellow cloth or books to a temple or the needy. Many also worship the banana (kela) tree on Thursdays, as it is sacred to Brihaspati.

The Guruvar vrat is kept on Thursdays, often for a fixed number of weeks (such as 16). The devotee eats only once, taking yellow, gram-flour or chana-based food and avoiding salt and bananas (the banana is offered, not eaten). The popular katha tells of a generous, devout king or woman whose fortunes faltered after neglecting Brihaspati's worship, and were restored to abundance once they resumed the Thursday vrat with faith. The story teaches that wealth must be paired with charity, gratitude and devotion to endure.

To strengthen a weak Jupiter, the recommended gemstone is yellow sapphire (pukhraj), worn on the index finger in gold after astrological guidance. Effective donations include chana dal, turmeric, yellow cloth, gold, books and ghee, given to temples, teachers or the needy on Thursdays. Feeding cows with gram and jaggery, planting or worshipping a banana tree, and applying a turmeric tilak are simple, widely used remedies to invite Brihaspati's grace.

Worshipping Brihaspati is believed to bring wisdom and clear judgement, success in education and career, growth in wealth and respect, timely and happy marriage, and the blessing of children. For those facing delays in marriage or repeated bad decisions, the Thursday vrat and Brihaspati Chalisa are among the most loved remedies. Above all, his grace deepens humility, faith and the wish to share one's fortune with others.