Brihaspati
BRIHASPATI.
[Source:
Dowson's Classical Dictionary
of Hindu Mythology] In
the Rigveda the names Brihaspati and Brahmanaspati alternate, and are equivalent
to each other. They are names "of a deity in whom the action of the worshipper
upon the gods is personified. He is the suppliant, the sacrificer, the priest,
who intercedes with gods on behalf of men and protects mankind against the wicked.
Hence he appears as the prototype of the priests and priestly order; and is also
designated as the Purohita (family priest) of the divine community. He is called
in one place `the father of the gods,' and a widely extended creative power is
ascribed to him. He is also designated as `the shining' and `the gold-coloured,'
and as `having the thunder for his voice."
In later times he is a Rishi. He is also regent of the planet Jupiter, and
the name is commonly used for the planet itself. In this character his car
is called Nitighosha and is drawn by the patronymic Angirasa. As preceptor
of the gods he is called Animishacharya, Chakshas, Ijya, and Indrejya. His
wife, Tara, was carried off by Soma, the moon, and this gave rise to a war
called the Tarakamaya. Soma was aided by Usanas, Rudra, and all the Daityas
and Danavas, while Indra and the gods took the part of Brihaspati. "Earth,
shaken to her centre," appealed to Brahma, who interposed and restored Tara
to her husband. She was delivered of a son which Brihaspati and Soma both claimed,
but Tara, at the command of Brahma to tell the truth, declared Soma to be the
father, and the child was named Buddha. There is an extraordinary story in
the Matsya and Bhagavata Purana of the Rishis having milked the earth through
Brihaspati. (See Vishnu Purana, i. pp. 188, 190.) Brihaspati was father of
Bharadwaja by Mamata, wife of Utathya. (See Bharadwaja). An ancient code of
law bears the name of Brihaspati, and he is also represented as being the Vyasa
of the "fourth, Dwapara age." There was a Rishi of the name in the second Manwantara,
and one who was founder of an heretical sect. Other epithets of Brihaspati
are Jiva, `the living,' Didivis, `the bright,' Dhishana, `the intelligent,'
and, for his eloquence, Gishpati, `lord of speech,'.
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Modern
Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics. Laura Gibbs, Ph.D.
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October 16, 2007 12:22 PM
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