Maa Brahmacharini Devi: Navratri Second Day Goddess!
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the 2nd day of Navratri. Brahmacharini is made up of Sanskrit words: Brahma which means penance and Charini which means achar or behaviour. So, Maa Brahmacharini is a manifestation of Maa Durga who does penance. She is also known as Devi Tapsvini. Her image portrays her holding a Kamandal (water pot) in her left hand and Japa Mala in her right hand.
Brahmacharini Maa Navratri Puja Tithi 2023: Shardiya Navratri –16th October 2023, Monday
NOTE: The exact time for Puja may vary from location to location. Consult your Pandit for Ghatsthapna and more accurate Puja timing in your country/city/town/village.
Beej Mantra – ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रूं ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः
Story Behind Brahmacharini Devi
When Devi Sati was reborn as Devi Parvati, she was advised by Narada to perform a penance to marry Shiva.
Also, at that time the other gods needed Lord Shiva, the great ascetic, to marry Parvati so they could create a son who could defeat the demon Tarkasura. Lord Shiva, however, was deeply engrossed in meditation. The gods sought the help of Kamadeva, the god of love, to awaken feelings of affection in Lord Shiva’s heart for Parvati. Using his love arrow, Kamadeva disrupted Lord Shiva’s meditation, which caused him to open his eyes in anger and burn Kamadeva to ashes.
On the other hand, Parvati, determined to win Lord Shiva’s love, embarked on a rigorous penance. She endured extreme weather conditions, including torrential rains, scorching sun, and biting cold, and survived by eating only Bilva leaves, later even giving up those. She remained unwavering in her devotion to Lord Shiva. Her unwavering dedication and determination moved the heavens, and her penance became so intense that her body transformed into an ethereal, divine form.
Lord Shiva, moved by her unwavering dedication, appeared before her and accepted her as his wife. This form of Parvati became known as Brahmacharini, representing purity, penance, and unwavering devotion.
Maa Brahmacharini Poojan Vidhi
- A Kalasha, a pot filled with sacred Ganga water, betel nuts, coins, raw rice mixed with turmeric, and Durva grass, is placed at the centre.
- A Swastik symbol is drawn on the pot with red Kumkum and five mango tree leaves are arranged around its neck.
- The pot is covered with a coconut wrapped in red cloth and tied with a sacred thread.
- A ghee lamp called Akhand Jyoti is lit and kept burning for nine days. This installation symbolises prosperity and auspiciousness.
- Devotees vow to fast for nine days and seek the blessings of Goddess Brahmacharini.
- Offerings include white flowers, lotus, sweets like Pista Barfi, red Chunri, bangles, Kumkum, incense, camphor, and Naivedyam.
- The day is filled with chanting Maa Brahmacharini’s mantras, reciting Durga Saptasati, and performing Aarti. For a detailed explanation related to Puja Vidhi, you can speak to our expert pundits and astrologers at NamoAstro any time.
Bhog for Maa Brahmacharini
On the 2nd day of the Navratra Puja, devotees offer chini (sugar) bhog to Maa Brahmacharini as it is her favourite, and in fruits, she is offered apples.
Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Prarthana
दधाना कर पद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini
- Mangal or Mars is governed by her and she is the Goddess of Swadhisthana Chakra. Worshipping her can help one set off the consequences of a weak Mangal in Kundali.
- She is the personification of love and loyalty. Worshipping her strengthens the bond in the family.
- Devotees pray to Maa Brahmacharini to attain wisdom, knowledge, and intellectual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Maa Brahmacharini’s worship only for women?
A No, Maa Brahmacharini’s worship is for everyone, regardless of gender. She represents qualities like dedication and wisdom, which are universal.
