

Brihaspativar (Guruvar) Vrat
Brihaspativar Vrat, observed every Thursday, is dedicated to Lord Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru of the Devas and symbol of wisdom, justice, and spiritual knowledge. It is a highly revered vrat in Hindu tradition, believed to bring prosperity, spiritual progress, and harmony within the family. Devotees across India observe this fast with deep faith and devotion, seeking divine blessings for marital bliss, financial growth, and academic success.

Brihaspativar Vrat Katha (Guruvar Vrat Katha)
Once upon a time, there was a poor Brahmin woman who was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. Despite her faith, she remained poor and distressed. One day, Lord Vishnu, disguised as an old Brahmin, came to her door and asked for food. She humbly served him with whatever little she had.
Pleased with her devotion, the Brahmin (Vishnu) asked why she lived in such poverty. She replied that despite worshipping Lord Vishnu sincerely, her condition never improved. Then the old Brahmin advised her to observe the Brihaspativar Vrat, worshipping Lord Brihaspati (Jupiter) with devotion and offering yellow items like gram dal, banana, turmeric, and yellow clothes.
He warned her not to wash clothes or cut hair on Thursdays and never to eat salty food that day.
The woman followed the instructions strictly. Within a few weeks, her home began to prosper. Her husband got a good job, and their financial condition improved. Seeing her change in fortune, the women in her neighborhood grew curious and began following the vrat as well.
In another story, a king who used to ignore the importance of Thursdays lost his wealth, kingdom, and respect. When he learned about the vrat and began observing it sincerely, he regained everything he had lost.
God Worshipped
Lord Vishnu
Day Observed
Brihaspativar (Guruvar)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue
God Worshipped
Lord Vishnu
Day Observed
Brihaspativar (Guruvar)
Associated Color
White or Light Blue

Essential Pooja Items (Pooja Samagri) for Brihaspativar Vrat Katha(Guruvar Vrat)
Photo or Idol of Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati Dev
Yellow Cloth – for placing deity or for the devotee to wear
Haldi (Turmeric), Kumkum, Chandan (Sandalwood paste)
Akshat (Unbroken rice grains)
Yellow Flowers – like marigold or sunflower
Yellow Fruits – such as bananas, mango, or papaya
Chana Dal (Bengal gram) – offered and also donated after pooja
Besan Laddoo or Sweets made from gram flour – for bhog
Panchamrit – made with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar
Tulsi Leaves – to be offered to Lord Vishnu
Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts
Kalash filled with water – placed near the idol
Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop
Diya with ghee
Camphor (Kapoor)
Brihaspativar Vrat Katha Book or printed story
Importance of Brihaspativar Vrat Katha
Remove financial obstacles
Bring career growth and stability
Help students in academic excellence
Ensure happy married life
Strengthen one’s spiritual foundation
Benefits of Brihaspativar Vrat Katha
Attracts positive energy and luck
Strengthens the influence of Jupiter in one’s horoscope
Enhances patience, wisdom, and righteousness
Resolves marital and family disputes
Provides relief from debts and losses

Brihaspativar Vrat Vidhi
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear yellow clothes (color associated with Jupiter).
Clean the place of worship and set up a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati.
Offer yellow flowers, chana dal, jaggery, and banana to the deity.
Light a ghee lamp and chant mantras dedicated to Brihaspati.
Read or listen to the Brahaspativar Vrat Katha.
Consume only sattvic and vrat-friendly food once during the day, usually after sunset.
Avoid shaving, cutting nails, and washing hair on this day.
Mantra for Brihaspativar Vrat
“Om Brim Brihaspataye Namah”
।। ॐ बृं बृहस्पतये नम:।।
Chanting this mantra 108 times brings peace, prosperity, and strengthens the positive effects of Jupiter.
Food Items Do's and Don'ts for Brihaspativar vrat or Thursday Fast

Food to Eat in Brihaspativar Vrat
Chana dal khichdi or yellow moong dal
Banana, mango, or other yellow fruits
Milk, jaggery, and ghee-based sweets
Rock salt (sendha namak) only
Kuttu or Singhara flour preparations
Dry fruits and vrat-friendly snacks
Light sattvic meals (no onion/garlic)
Food Items to Avoid in Brihaspativar Vrat
Sour food items (lemon, tamarind, etc.
Non-vegetarian food
Onion and garlic
Wheat, rice, and regular salt (if strict fasting)
Fried and oily food

Brihaspativar Vrat Katha FAQs
How to do Brihaspati vrat?
Wake up early, take a bath, wear yellow clothes, and worship Lord Vishnu or Brihaspati with yellow flowers, chana dal, and banana. Read the Brihaspati Vrat Katha, chant mantras, and consume only vrat-friendly yellow foods once a day.
Can we drink water on Thursday fast?
Yes, drinking water is allowed during Brihaspati Vrat unless you’re observing a strict nirjal (without water) fast.
What can we eat in Brihaspati VRAT?
You can eat yellow-colored, satvik food like boiled chana, banana, haldi rice, or khichdi without salt. Fruits and milk are also allowed.
What not to eat on Monday fast?
Traditionally, it’s advised not to wash hair on Thursday as it’s believed to weaken financial and family well-being.
Why is khichdi not eaten on Thursday?
Khichdi is avoided if made with salt or non-satvik ingredients. If prepared without salt and with yellow lentils, it is acceptable.