Brihaspateeshwar Temple, Varanasi

 Brihaspati or Guru was the son of Angira. He was having all the good qualities of a gentleman, leader, good Samaritan, respectful to the elders and teachers etc.He came to Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling and performed prayers to Lord Shiva for several years at a stretch. Lord Shiva appeared before him through that Ling in the form of Jyoti (Divine Light).

On seeing Lord Shiva, Brihaspati became ecstatic and started singing praises of Lord Shiva whereupon the Lord granted that Brihaspati will be the Lord of all Devas. Since Brihaspati had sung prayers of Lord Shiva, the latter also granted that Brihaspati will be called Vachaspati (having excellence in speech). The Ling installed by Brihaspati will be called Brihaspateeshwar.

Lord Shiva further stated, a devotee who performs pooja etc. of Brihaspateeshwar on a regular basis will get all his wishes fulfilled. Lord Shiva then summoned Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and other Devas. With all those celestials around, Lord Shiva ordained that Vachaspati (Brihaspati) will be the Guru (Teacher) of all Devas. Vachaspati will become the lord of all intelligent persons.

A devotee who performs prayers at Brihaspateeshwar on Thursday when Pushyami Star conjoins, will be successful in all his endeavours. (Pushyami star is called Poosam in Tamil and Pooyam in Malayalam). A person who prays to Brihaspateeshwar for six consecutive months is cleansed of all his sins. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 17).