The 2nd form of NavaDurga
Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of NavaDurga and worshipped on the 2nd day of Navratri. Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati in the form of the great Sati. Her unmarried form is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini. She signifies as the lady; who practiced the toughest penance and hard austerity. So, she is named Brahmacharini. Shevanti, Hibiscus, and lotus flowers are used to garland the Goddess. The deity of the Goddess holds a mala in her right hand and kamandal in her left. She is always represented barefooted.
Goddess Brahmacharini
According to the scriptures, maiden Parvati resolves to marry Shiva. Her parents learn of her desire, discourage her. But she pursues what she wants and did Tap for about 5000 years. In the meantime, Gods approached god Kamadeva – the Hindu god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection and asks her to generate desire in Shiva for Parvati. They did this because of an asura named Tarkasur who gained the boon of being killed by only Lord Shiva’s child. The Kama reaches to him and shoots an arrow of desire. Shiva opens his third eye in his forehead and burns the cupid Kama to ashes.
Parvati does not lose her hope or her resolve to win over Shiva. She begins to live in mountains like Shiva, engages in the same activities as him, one of asceticism, yogin, and tapas. This aspect of Parvati is deemed to be that of Goddess Brahmacharini. Her ascetic pursuit draws his attention and awakens his interest. He meets her in disguised form, tries to discourage her, telling her Shiva’s weaknesses and personality problems. Parvati refuses to listen and insists on her resolve. Shiva finally accepts her and they get married.
Significance
Brahmacharini Devi is worshipped on the 2nd day of Navratri. The form of Goddess signifies love, loyalty, wisdom, and knowledge. The facade of Maa Brahmacharini symbolizes simplicity. She holds a rosary in one hand and a Kamandal in another. The word Brahmacharini means a female who pursues sacred religious knowledge. Going by the story, she was born in the Himalayas. Devrishi Narada influenced her thoughts and as a result, she practiced tough tapa or penances as she was determined to obtain Lord Shiva.
Goddess Brahmacharini Puja
Maa Brahmacharini puja ritual is practiced on the 2nd day of Navratri. In her worship offers flowers, Akshat, Roli, sandalwood, & others. Bath Maa Brahmacharini with milk, curd, melted butter, honey, and sugar. Then offer dessert made of pistachios. After this, offer paan, betel nut, cloves. Then perform aarti of Goddess with ghee and camphor. It is said that the devotees who worship her always remain calm and happy in life. With the blessings of Goddess Brahmacharini, all kinds of obstacles in life or work will end. The Goddess also helps to increase some divinity qualities like tenacity, renunciation, restraint, and virtue
Facts about Brahmacharini Devi
Origin: The Mother Goddess took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati as his daughter Sati. She was born to marry Shiva. The unmarried form of the Mother Goddess is called Brahmacharini Devi.
Meaning: The word “Brahma” refers to Tapa or penance and “Charini” means a strict female follower. Brahmacharini means a female who pursuits Brahmacarya.
Worship Date: Navratri Day 2
Planet: Mars
Favorite Flower: Chrysanthemum flower
Favorite Color: White
Mantra: Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah (ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥)
Other Names: Tapascharini, Aparna and Uma
Weapon: Japa mala, Kamandalu
Appearance: Walks on bare feet, carrying a Japa mala in Her right hand and a kamandalu in Her left hand.
YOU ARE LIMITLESS
Maa Durga is believed to be the core that powers the Sun and lightens the universe. She inspires us to see beyond what we think we are.
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