Guru (Jupiter)

Origin & Mythology

Guru, revered as Brihaspati, the Devaguru or preceptor of the gods, was born to the sage Angira and his wife Surupa, and rose to his exalted position not by birth alone but through immense penance. Puranic tradition recounts that he performed rigorous austerities to Lord Shiva at Prabhas Tirtha, and Shiva, pleased with his devotion, granted him both the status of Devaguru and the dignity of planethood among the Navagrahas - a boon that made him the wisest counsel the celestial court could turn to in its long struggle against the Asuras.

Family

Guru's household is as expansive as his wisdom. He married three times: Shubha, his eldest wife, bore him seven daughters; Mamta, his third wife, bore him the sages Kach and Bharadwaja; and Tara, his second wife, is remembered above all for the episode in which Chandra abducted her, resulting in the birth of Budha (Mercury) - a child Brihaspati chose not to reject despite the scandal, in keeping with his own reputation for magnanimity. His brothers, Samvarta and Utthya, were also renowned sages in their own right.

• Father: Sage Angira

• Mother: Surupa

• Wives: Shubha, Tara, and Mamta

• Notable children: Seven daughters by Shubha; the sages Kach and Bharadwaja by Mamta; Budha (Mercury) born of Tara's union with Chandra

• Brothers: Samvarta and Utthya

Iconography

Guru is depicted with a golden complexion, seated upon a lotus, with four arms holding a golden staff, a lotus, and a rudraksha rosary, his fourth hand raised in blessing, dressed in yellow robes with gold ornaments. His chariot, also made of gold, is drawn by eight yellow horses, befitting his role as the most radiant and benevolent teacher among the grahas.

In Vedic astrology, Guru rules Sagittarius and Pisces, is exalted in Cancer and debilitated in Capricorn, and is considered the greatest benefic of the Navagrahas; his gemstone is yellow sapphire, his colour yellow, and Thursday is sacred to him.