Guru Shukracharya: How Did He Become the Guru of Asuras?

Shukracharya, the Guru of Asuras, taught many valuable lessons to the world. He never differentiated between his students. Shukra spread his wisdom to whoever sincerely sought it. Many fascinating stories are connected to Daitya Guru Shukracharya, so continue reading to know more!

Who is Shukracharya?

The name, Shukra, means pure, bright and clear liquid. According to Hindu mythology, Shukracharya was an ideal teacher who is known for his deep knowledge and wisdom.

He is the ruler of planet Venus and the son of sage Bhrigu and his wife, Khyaati Mata. His other name is Asuracharya or Daitya guru, because he was the Guru of the Asuras.

Shukracharya is linked with Soma Rasa (liquid of immortality). Also, he gained knowledge about the Sanjeevni Mantra (mantra of immortality), which was given to him by Lord Shiva.

Unknown Mythological Stories of Guru Shukracharya

There are various fascinating facts about Guru Shukracharya. Moreover, a lot of mythological stories are connected to Guru Shukra, which are interesting. So, let’s further discuss some of the most significant Shukracharya story below!

Why is Shukracharya the Guru of Demons?

According to Bhagavata Purana, Shukracharya was a very bright child and went to study under Sage Angirasa (Brihaspati’s father). Despite Shukra attaining good knowledge, Sage Angirasa favoured his child, Brihaspati.

Therefore, the other Gods, such as the Surya, Chandra, Indra and Varuna chose Brihaspati as their Guru. This made Shukra feel like the Devloka did not value him enough.

Therefore, he went to the Daitya Loka, the Asuras’ land. This is how he became the supreme teacher and the Guru of Asuras.

Sanjeevni Mantra – The Blessing of Immortality

There were frequent battles between the Devas and Asuras. As a result, many Asuras lost their lives, which deeply concerned their Guru, Shukra.

Therefore, Guru Shukracharya went to visit Lord Shiva to get the Sanjeevni Mantra. To which Shiva said that he will grant him the Mantra only if he completes doing severe penance for a year.

Therefore, Shukra agreed to it and went to a forest to do severe penance. There, he survived only by consuming smoke from burning leaves. His penance worried the Gods, and Lord Indra sent his daughter, Jayanti, to distract Shukra from meditating.

To stop Shukracharya’s penance, Jayanti put chillies in the burning leaves, causing him discomfort. But he continued his penance, which impressed Lord Shiva.

Thus, he granted the Sanjeevin mantra to the daitya Guru. Shukra’s resilience touched Jayanti, and she asked him to marry her to become Shukracharya wife. Shukra accepted her proposal, and they got married.

Shukracharya’s mother and the Curse on Lord Vishnu

While Daitya Guru Shukracharya went to meditate for the Sanjeevni mantra, no one was left to protect the Asuras. Therefore, the Asuras went to Khyati Mata, Guru Shukra’s mother, to seek protection. She agreed to protect them in the absence of their Guru.

When the Devas attacked the Asuras, they had to face Khyati Mata. Only Khyati Mata’s glance was enough to send the Gods to sleep.

Therefore, the gods went to Lord Vishnu asking for a solution. Listening to them, Lord Vishnu beheaded Khyati Mata with his Sudarshan Chakra.

Teachings of the Guru Shukracharya

The supreme Guru set down several teachings for people to follow. These teachings are called Shukraneeti. By following his teachings, one can maintain order in society.

People will lead righteous lives if they follow the Guru’s teachings. Shukra emphasised that a good leader can lead the world in the correct direction. Below, let’s know about Guru Shukracharya’s Shukra Neeti.

Shukra Neeti

The Shukra Neeti is a set of guidelines for Brahmins. It has various chapters describing the responsibilities and duties of people. This includes not disclosing secret things of life, such as wealth, details, and intimacy with one’s life partner.

Also, it tells about the importance of giving donations and doing good karma in life. Therefore, Shukraneeti teaches people about things they can do for a fulfilling life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the reason for Shukracharya death?

Guru Shukra died to get Kacha out of his stomach. Kacha was in his stomach because his ashes were in the wine that he had. To get his student out, he had to die, but later on, Kacha gave life to his guru using the Sanjeevni Mantra.

2. Why Shukracharya hates Vishnu?

Shukra had a hostile relationship with lord Vishnu. This is because lord Vishnu killed Shukracharya’s mother, Khyaati Mata. Therefore, no Asura worships Lord Vishnu.

3. What is Guru Shukracharya daughter name?

Shukracharya’s daughter’s name is Devayani. She falls in love with Kacha (Shukracharya’s student) and urges her father to take Kacha out of his stomach. However, she couldn’t marry Kacha as he came out of her father’s stomach, which made him her brother.

4. Who is Guru Shukracharya father?

Shukracharya’s Father was sage Bhrigu. He was the person who cursed Lord Vishnu to take multiple births and rebirths on earth.

5. What does Shukra mean?

Shukra is a Sanskrit word that means shiny and pure liquid. This represents the shine and brightness of Shukra as the planet Venus. This also makes him the son of Lord Shiva.