Guru Peyarchi Homam at Sri Meenakshi Temple

PEARLAND: Planet Jupiter is also known as Guru or Brihaspathi. “Guru” is a Sanskrit word, and it literally means the remover of darkness and one who brings the light of knowledge. In Indian Vedic Astrology Guru is considered to be a benefic planet. Guru is attributed to Good luck, favor and fortune. Performing special puja on Jupiter transition day – Guru Peyarchi is considerd very auspicious, as invoking Brihaspathi’s blessings can give good effects. The famous Navagraha Sthalam of Guru (Jupiter) in South India is the Apatsahayesvarar Temple at Alangudi in the Papanasam Taluk of Thanjavur district, Tamilnadu, a divine place where one could propitiate Jupiter. Lord Shiva is manifested here in the form of Lord Guru. Sri Dakshinamurthy is worshipped, as Guru Bhagwan here.
At Sri Meenakshi Temple Pearland, Guru Peyarchi Puja was conducted in an authentic ceremony over two days – the calendar Guru Peyarchi day on Friday June 13, with a Navagraha Abhishekam followed by Archana. On Sunday June 15, a more elaborate Homam was conducted, and followed with the Abhsishekam and Archana in the Navagraha sannadhi. Over 100 devotees joined the two occasions to pray for good luck and fortune to the families and friends. Sri Mannicka Sundara Bhattar expertly conducted the pujas with assistance from Sri Doraiswamy Bhattar and Sri Kalyana Sundaram. Devotees participate enthusiastically in the puja, as it not only benefits the participants, but also it is believed to bring positive outcome to the whole community. The RAC deserves to be commended for its effort to sustain and conduct such community event.