The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Maa Brahmacharini is revered for her penance, devotion, and calm demeanour. Worshipped as the epitome of perseverance and strength, she grants her devotees courage, wisdom, and emotional balance. Let’s delve deeper into the origin, iconography, significance, and rituals associated with Maa Brahmacharini.
Maa Brahmacharini is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, after taking the form of Goddess Kushmanda, Maa Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati and became a great Sati (devoted wife). Her unmarried form is worshipped as Maa Brahmacharini, representing a woman in the stage of self-discipline and spiritual pursuit. The Goddess undertook intense penance (tapasya) to attain Lord Shiva as her husband, undergoing years of severe austerities, which earned her the name Brahmacharini, meaning “the one who practices devout austerity.”
Navratri 2024 Day 2: Colour of the Day
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri is believed to bestow devotees with knowledge, peace, and an abundance of spiritual energy. Here is how devotees can offer their prayers to the Goddess:
- Early Morning Bath and Cleanse: Begin the day by taking a bath and wearing fresh, clean clothes.
- Puja Preparations: Set up the idol or image of Maa Brahmacharini on a clean platform. Decorate the area with flowers, especially Jasmine, which is considered the favourite flower of the Goddess.
- Offerings: Offer fruits, flowers, and sweets to the Goddess. Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar) and Bilva leaves can also be offered as a mark of respect and devotion.
- Chanting of Mantras: Recite the following mantra while offering flowers and praying to the Goddess:
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ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥ |
- Reading the Prarthana: Chant the prarthana (prayer) for invoking the blessings of the Goddess:
दधाना कर पद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू।देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu।Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama॥
- Reciting the Stuti: The stuti (hymn of praise) can be chanted to seek Maa Brahmacharini’s grace:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita।Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Navratri 2024 Day 2: Iconography of Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Brahmacharini is often depicted as a serene figure walking barefoot. She has two hands, carrying a jap mala (rosary) in her right hand and a kamandal (water pot) in her left hand. The simplicity of her attire and her austere posture symbolise her dedication, purity, and penance. Devotees worship her in this form, seeking blessings for inner strength and peace.
The Goddess is associated with the planet Mangal (Mars), which is considered the provider of all fortunes. By worshipping Maa Brahmacharini, devotees seek her blessings to mitigate the malefic effects of Mars and attain prosperity, endurance, and a righteous path in life.
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Navratri 2024 Day 2: Mantras and Chants to Please Maa Brahmacharini
Here are some powerful mantras, stutis, and hymns to invoke Maa Brahmacharini’s divine blessings:
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वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।जपमाला कमण्डलु धरा ब्रह्मचारिणी शुभाम्॥Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।Japamala Kamandalu Dhara Brahmacharini Shubham॥त्रिपुरा में हृदयम् पातु ललाटे पातु शङ्करभामिनी।र्पण सदापातु नेत्रो, अर्धरी च कपोलो॥Tripura Mein Hridayam Patu Lalate Patu Shankarabhamini।Arpana Sadapatu Netro, Ardhari Cha Kapolo॥ |
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जय अम्बे ब्रह्मचारिणी माता। जय चतुरानन प्रिय सुख दाता॥ब्रह्मा जी के मन भाती हो। ज्ञान सभी को सिखलाती हो॥ब्रह्म मन्त्र है जाप तुम्हारा। जिसको जपे सरल संसारा॥जय गायत्री वेद की माता। जो जन जिस दिन तुम्हें ध्याता॥कमी कोई रहने ना पाये। कोई भी दुःख सहने न पाये॥उसकी विरति रहे ठिकाने। जो तेरी महिमा को जाने॥रद्रक्षा की माला ले कर। जपे जो मन्त्र श्रद्धा दे कर॥आलस छोड़ करे गुणगाना। माँ तुम उसको सुख पहुँचाना॥ब्रह्मचारिणी तेरो नाम। पूर्ण करो सब मेरे काम॥भक्त तेरे चरणों का पुजारी। रखना लाज मेरी महतारी॥ |
Also Read: Navratri 2024: Full 9-Day Schedule and Durga Puja Details
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