What is called Thursday fasting?
Fasting means refraining from certain foods for a whole day and offering tribute to the Lord by praising, chanting and offering Pooja. Fasting cleanses our minds and bodies and also keeps us fit both spiritually and physically. As fasting detoxes our bodies, our metabolism rate improves.
What is the significance of Thursday fasting?
Thursday, or Guruvar, is the day of Guru, Jupiter or Brihaspati. According to legend, Brihaspati is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, who blessed him to be the preceptor of the Devas. Lord Dakshinamurthy, an aspect of Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of Brihaspati and a great preceptor. Hence, Guru is worshipped on Thursdays.
Observing Thursday fasting can help observers earn health, wealth and fame. This Brihaspativar Vrat bestows knowledge and wisdom on the observers with the blessings of Lord Brihaspati, who is the central point of wisdom and the Guru (Master) of all deities.
According to sacred books in Hinduism, Brihaspati is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hence, observing the Brihaspativar Vrat with dedication and a pure heart can fulfil the observer’s desires.
Celebrating Thursday fasting and offering prayers to Jupiter (Guru) can destroy all sins and stabilise one’s fluctuating mind with wisdom.
Which deity is worshipped during the Brihaspativar Vrat?
During Thursday fasting, Brihaspati, the Guru, is worshipped.
What is the procedure for the Brihaspativar Vrat?
The Brihaspativar Vrat starts before sunrise and continues till the evening of the day. Since yellow is the favourite colour of Guru, devotees wear yellow clothes, perform Pooja using yellow flowers, and offer the deity yellow rice, gram dal and turmeric.
During Thursday fasting, devotees chant Guru slokas, mantras and praise the Lord. They read and listen to his stories.
Some take a single meal, whereas some fast for two meals.
The observer of Thursday fasting may opt for a complete fast, or some have one meal after completing the puja, offering some yellow-coloured fruits and foods made of gram flour. Observers also donate yellow clothes, yellow foods, and turmeric to the underprivileged, which is considered most auspicious on this day.
When should I begin the Thursday fasting?
The best time to observe the Thursday fasting is on the first Thursday of Shukla Paksha Tithi. Some observers continue it for 16 consecutive Thursdays, whereas some observe it for three years.
What are the benefits of fasting on Thursdays?
- Fasting on Thursdays brings innumerable benefits as follows:
- Thursday fasting raises spiritual development by enhancing discipline and devotion.
- Fasting, meditation, and prayer help increase mental clarity. Observers can experience a peace of mind and enhanced awareness during and after the fasting period.
- The Brihaspativar Vrat reduces the effects of a poorly placed Jupiter, or a debilitated Jupiter in a birth chart.
- It bestows good health, wealth, a happy married life and progeny on observers.
- Thursday fasting keeps control over the mind and senses.
What are the Mantra(s) chanted during the Thursday fasting?
Brihaspati Beej Mantra
“Om Gram Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah”
Meaning of the Brihaspati Beej Mantra
“I bow to Guru (Brihaspati), the divine teacher, and invoke his wisdom and blessings.”
Guru Mantra
“Om Gurave Namah”
Meaning of Guru Mantra
“Salutations to the divine teacher.”
Brihaspati Gayatri Mantra
“Om Devajyotaye Vidmahe
Daityahantraya Dheemahi
Tanno Guru Prachodayat”
Meaning of the Brihaspati Gayatri Mantra
“We meditate upon the divine teacher Brihaspati. May that Guru inspire and guide our intellect.”
