Brihaspati: The Wise Teacher of the Gods The god of Jupiter is known as Guru or Brihaspati. The Puranas describe him as kind-hearted and wise, with a large, well-proportioned figure. He is merciful, compassionate, and skilled in all fields of knowledge. Brihaspati is the guru — spiritual teacher — of…

Mercury in Astrology Mercury’s Nature and Intelligence According to Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Mercury governs the aspect of intelligence related to learning ability and cultural development. Mercury is an airy planet of mixed nature — neither masculine nor feminine. Mercury is called vidya-karaka — the significator of knowledge. It indicates powers…

The Birth of Budha The Devi Bhagavata recounts that Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, had a beautiful wife named Tara. One day, Tara encountered the radiant Chandra (the Moon god) and fell deeply in love with him. Chandra, being Brihaspati’s disciple, made Tara’s desire sinful in the…

In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Mars is a fiery, masculine planet. Mars governs ambition, desire, the ability to act on those desires, feelings, and sexual potency in men. Mars as Indicator of Siblings and Property Mars is known as Bhratri-karaka — the significator of brothers. Its placement in a chart reveals…

The god of Mars goes by many names: Mangala, Kuja, Angaraka, Sutabhumi. The Puranas offer different versions of Mangala’s birth. In one account, Shiva’s beloved wife, Sati, could not bear the insult her father Daksha had shown to Shiva, so she immolated herself. Grief-stricken, Shiva entered deep…