The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads v1.c18.s2.4

v1.c18.s2.4

Bṛhaspati is often named beside Agni, but he is not rarely identified with him:¹ he is given three abodes, is called son of strength, associated with Narāçaṁsa, Mātariçvan and the Aṅgirases. He is lord of the dwelling, while Agni for his part is called lord of prayer. Like Agni, however, he is associated with Indra, and becomes specially connected with the myth of the overthrow of Vala and the release of the cows, in which he acts with his singing host. He splits the mountains, drives out and distributes the cows, and the Atharvaveda² makes his conquest of Vala proverbial. In winning the cows he finds the light, the Dawn, and Agni. He is also said to roar like a bull, to shatter forts, to overthrow Vṛtras and conquer foes. He is even given the epithet of bolt-bearer and is made a friend of the Maruts. He has also the more general traits of being a bestower of wealth and long life, a remover of disease, and a father. He stimulates also the life of the plants, through him the sun and moon rise alternately, and in the Yajurveda³ he is made the regent of the constellation Tiṣya, while in post-Vedic literature he is the ruler of Jupiter.