Introduction :
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Maa Durga. The Hindu scriptures describe Maa Brahmacharini as wearing white clothes, having a garland of Ashtdal on her right hand, and a kamandal on her left. She is also considered the reincarnation of Sati. Worshiping this form of Maa leads to an increase in tenacity, renunciation, restraint, virtue etc. Even in the most difficult times of life, a person does not deviate from his path. In this article, you will understand more about Maa Brahmacharini – the goddess who is worshipped on the second day of Navratri, and also the myths and facts related to her.
Who is Maa Brahmacharini?
She is worshipped as a manifestation of a young girl wearing white clothing, holding an Ashtadal garland in one hand and a kamandal in the other. This Akshayamala and Kamandal are combined with the knowledge of Durga Shastras called Dharini Brahmacharini and the Nigmagam Tantra-Mantra etc. The word ‘Brahmacharya’ is derived from two words – ‘Brahma’ and ‘Charya’. The word ‘Brahma’ refers to Vishnu or any other manifestation of God while the word ‘Charya’ refers to self-control or abstinence. In practice, brahmacharya implies a life of celibacy, control over the senses and observation of fasting days.
Mantra of Maa Brahmacharini:
The mantra of Maa Mantra of Maa Brahmacharini: – वया देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।। दधाना कपाभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू। देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।न्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
The worshiped Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri represents inner awakening. Maa Brahmacharini is the mother of the flow of energy, efficiency and expansion of inner strength in the universe. Brahmacharini has knowledge of all the variables and constants of this world.
The story about Maa Brahmacharini :
Maa Brahmacharini is considered to be the goddess of penance. According to mythology, Maa Brahmacharini did severe Tapasyā for more than a thousand years to get Lord Shiva as her husband, due to which she is also known as Tapascharini. During Tapasyā she ate only fruits and Bilva Patra in the beginning, after which he left that too and remained in a meditative state, due to which Mahadev, the god of gods, was pleased and accepted Devi Parvati as his wife.
Why is Brahmacharini Maa worshipped?
It is very easy to worship Maa Brahmacharini and it is even easier to please her. If Mother Brahmacharini is called with true devotion, she comes immediately. This form of Maa Durga is believed to give infinite results. Worshiping the mother increases knowledge and gets rid of all problems.
In addition to this, she governs the Planet Mars which provides fortune, thus worshipers of Goddess Brahamcharini are blessed with good fortune.
How to pray Maa Brahmacharini ?
Maa Brahmacharini is said to be fond of hibiscus, lotus, white, and fragrant flowers, in accordance with religious beliefs. On the second day of Navratri, devotees offer Goddess Durga hibiscus, lotus, and white fragrant flowers.
On the second day of Navratri, sugar/ jaggery powder, milk and dishes made of milk should be offered to Maa Brahmacharini. It is believed that doing so brings blessings of longevity. One should keep in mind that only sattvik things are offered to Maa.
A lamp should be lit in the temple of the house and Maa Durga should be anointed with water from the Ganga river. After that, the devotees should offer akshat, vermilion, red flowers and Arghya (Arghya is a mixture of water, durva, flowers, and raw rice grains were presented as an offering to a guest in ancient times as a sign of respect and reception) to Maa Durga. Devotees can recite Durga Chalisa or read Durga Saptshati after lighting incense and lamps.
Conclusion
The form of Brahmacharini is very simple and grand. In comparison to other goddesses, she is gentle, anger-free and a grants quick boon. It is very easy to worship Mother Brahmacharini and it is even easier to please her. If Mother Brahmacharini is remembered with true devotion, she comes immediately to bless her devotee. This form of Maa Durga is believed to give infinite results.
Worshiping this form of Maa Durga leads to an increase in knowledge, tenacity, renunciation, restraint, virtue etc. Even in the most difficult times of life, a person does not deviate from his path.
