The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. Brahmacharini, as the name suggests, means one who does Tapasya (penance). She is one of the most beautiful forms of Goddess Durga and represents spiritual enlightenment.
Maa Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini is the Goddess of Rishi-Munis, Yogis (sages). Her appearance is divine and full of light. She has four hands of which two carry weapons, one carries Rudraksha Japa Mala (rosary) and one hand is free to give her blessings for the ones who seeks it. She bears a calm face and glows in the divine light. Her Vahana (carrier) is the sacred cow.
To obtain Lord Shiva’s love and attention, Maa Parvati went into deep and hard Tapasya (penance). The fruits of this endeavour was winning Lord Shiva’s love and she came to be known as Maa Brahmacharini. Planet Mars is governed by Maa Brahmacharini
Rituals Performed
The rituals performed on the second day is same as all the other days of Navratri. The idol is decorated and placed on a platform. Flowers of red colors are used for performing Puja. Along with Maa Brahmacharini, other forms of Durga are also worshipped. A lamp is lit with pure Ghee and the Mantras are chanted while performing the Puja. A Bhog (sacred food) of sugar is offered to Maa Brahmacharini.
Mantra
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupen Sansthita |
Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namoh Namah ||
Meaning: Mother you are present everywhere and your blessings reach everyone. I pray to you for one and all, bless them with happiness and guide them to light.
Another Mantra for worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini is as follows. You may opt to chant either of them.
Dadhana Karpadma abhyamaksh Mala kamandalu|
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinya Nuttama ||
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलु |
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्म्चारिन्यनुतमा ||
Meaning: The one who carries the flower of Lotus, Rudraksha Mala and stoup in one hand. The sublime Goddess Brahmcharini, please bless me.
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini will bless us with perseverance and wisdom just like her perseverance to finish a Tapa (penance) which lasted for a 1000 years to get the love of Lord Shiva.
So, this is all we have on the second day of Navratri. Wish you all a very Happy Sharad Navratri! Fetch the blessings of Goddess Durga and change your lives.
