Brihaspati Kavacham — Benefits & How to Chant
बृहस्पतिकवचम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Brihaspati Kavacham
A limb-by-limb 'kavacha' (armour) invoking the protection of Brihaspati, the Devaguru, over the entire body from head to feet.
Recited to strengthen a weak or afflicted Jupiter
the great benefic that governs wisdom, knowledge, children, wealth and dharma.
Its phalashruti promises that one who recites it thrice daily (trisandhya) attains all his desires and becomes victorious everywhere.
Especially valued by students, teachers and seekers for learning, eloquence (Vagisha) and clarity of intellect.
Chanted for prosperity, progeny, married happiness and the blessings that Jupiter, the most auspicious of planets, bestows.
Recited on Thursdays (Guruvara), the weekday of Jupiter, and during Brihaspati or Navagraha puja.
How to Chant Brihaspati Kavacham
Instructions
Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of Brihaspati (or the Navagraha), with yellow flowers, yellow sandal and a ghee lamp; offerings of chana dal, turmeric or bananas are appropriate to Jupiter. Recite the viniyoga with its bija 'Gam', then the dhyana verse, then the kavacha verses guarding each limb, and finally the phalashruti. The verse advises reciting it trisandhyam (thrice daily); it is most auspicious on Thursdays and to strengthen a weak Jupiter.
Spiritual Significance
The kavacha's closing verse promises that the one who recites this divine armour at the three junctions of the day 'sarvan kaman avapnoti' — attains all his desires — and becomes victorious everywhere; students and seekers recite it on Thursdays to win the Devaguru's grace of wisdom, eloquence and good fortune.
Origin & History
Source: Brahma Yamala (Brihaspati Kavacha Stotram)
Author: Traditional; rishi Ishvara
The Brihaspati Kavacham is preserved in the Brahma Yamala, with Ishvara named as its rishi and 'Gam' as its seed-syllable. It depicts Brihaspati — the serene, rosary-bearing son of the sage Angiras who is Guru and preceptor of the gods, master of the Vedas and lord of speech — and entreats this great benefic to shield the devotee limb by limb. As the armour-hymn of Jupiter it belongs to the Navagraha kavachas recited for graha shanti, and is turned to especially for wisdom, prosperity and the fulfilment of righteous desires.