Brihaspati Chalisa (Guru Dev Chalisa)
बृहस्पति चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Lord Brihaspati — the priest of the gods (Deva Guru), son of sage Angiras, lord of wisdom and Vedic learning, and the planet Jupiter (Guru graha) in Vedic astrology. The Chalisa describes his four-armed yellow-clad form holding a sacred book, kamandalu, japa-mala, and abhaya mudra, seated on a golden lotus or chariot drawn by eight horses, with his consort Tara beside him.
Significance
The supreme hymn for wisdom, knowledge, scholarship, marriage of unmarried girls (Brihaspati rules husband for women in Vedic astrology), and Jupiter graha shanti. Thursday is universally the day of Guru-puja across India — temples conduct mass recitation, students perform Brihaspati puja before examinations, and parents of unmarried daughters specifically commission Brihaspati Chalisa recitations 16 consecutive Thursdays to overcome marriage delays. The Chalisa is the most authoritative remedy for weak or afflicted Jupiter in horoscope (especially when Jupiter is debilitated in Capricorn, combust, or aspected by malefics).
When recited: Every Thursday (Brihaspativar / Guruvar), during Guru Mahadasha or Guru Pratyantara periods, on Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima), during Brihaspati transit benefic periods, before exams especially competitive ones, before marriage discussions
Benefits
- Granting of wisdom, knowledge, and scholarship — particularly Vedic learning
- Success in examinations, competitive tests, and academic pursuits
- Removal of marriage delays for unmarried girls (Jupiter rules husband-karaka)
- Granting of children (Jupiter rules putra-karaka)
- Protection of guru-shishya relationships and spiritual progress
- Remedy for weak or afflicted Jupiter — strengthens 2nd, 5th, 9th, and 11th house significations
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Brihaspati Chalisa (Guru Dev Chalisa) — the most-recited opening section.
जय बृहस्पति देवा गुरु महाराजा, अंगिरस पुत्र देवों के राजा॥
पीत वस्त्र पीत पुष्प धारे, स्वर्ण सिंहासन पर विराजे प्यारे॥
चार भुजा में पुस्तक माला, कमण्डल अभय हस्त शुभकारी॥
गुरुवार के दिन तुम्हें पूजे, विद्या बुद्धि का वर मांगे॥
पीला वस्त्र पहन के आये, चना दाल गुड़ बेसन लाये॥
जो छात्र श्रद्धा से नित गाये, परीक्षा में प्रथम स्थान पाये॥
Meaning
Victory to Brihaspati, the divine preceptor, son of Angiras, king of the gods. Wearing yellow garments and yellow flowers, seated on a golden throne. Your four arms hold a book, japa-mala, kamandalu, and abhaya mudra — all auspicious. On Thursday devotees worship you, asking for the boon of wisdom and intellect. Wearing yellow garments they come, bringing chana dal, jaggery, and besan as offerings. Whichever student recites with faith daily obtains first rank in examinations. Recited every Thursday by students, parents of unmarried girls, and devotees during Jupiter Mahadasha periods. The most authoritative remedy in Vedic astrology for weak or afflicted Brihaspati — strengthens wisdom, marriage prospects, children, and 9th-house dharma-karaka significations.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: