Shardiya Navratri 2024 Day 2: Worship Maa Brahmacharini – Puja Vidhi, Mantra, and Significance
The second day of Shardiya Navratri 2024 is dedicated to the worship of Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Goddess Durga. Known as the Goddess of Penance, Maa Brahmacharini is revered for her immense strength, wisdom, and perseverance. Devotees observe fasts and perform rituals to seek her blessings for inner strength, knowledge, and the ability to overcome life's challenges.
Let’s explore the significance, story, and Puja Vidhi of Maa Brahmacharini on this special day.
Who is Maa Brahmacharini? The Goddess of Penance
Maa Brahmacharini symbolizes penance, perseverance, and devotion. Her name is derived from the word ‘Brahma,’ which means supreme consciousness, and ‘Charini,’ meaning one who practices austerity. She embodies purity, calmness, and wisdom.
Maa Brahmacharini is depicted wearing a white saree and holding a japa mala (rosary) in one hand and a kamandal (water pot) in the other, symbolizing simplicity and a life of discipline. Her serene form represents peace and is a guiding light for devotees who seek determination and focus in their spiritual journey.
Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Brahmacharini governs the Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra), which is the energy center of creativity, emotions, and relationships. By worshipping her, devotees can balance this chakra, which helps in managing emotional stress and building resilience.
In Vedic astrology, Maa Brahmacharini is associated with the planet Mars (Mangal). Devotees who have Mangal Dosha (adverse Mars placement) in their astrological charts worship her to reduce the negative effects and enhance their courage and strength.
The Story of Maa Brahmacharini’s Rigorous Penance
Maa Brahmacharini’s story is one of devotion and extreme penance. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Parvati (an earlier incarnation of Brahmacharini) was born as the daughter of King Himalaya. She desired to marry Lord Shiva, and to win his heart, she undertook severe penance.
For thousands of years, Maa Parvati survived on fruits and flowers. Later, she lived only on herbs, and eventually, she gave up all forms of food, even the leaves of the Bilva Patra plant. For years, she meditated and performed extreme austerity without food or water, leading to her weakening physically.
Seeing her rigorous penance, the Saptrishi (seven great sages) were deeply moved. The gods blessed her, assuring that her desires would be fulfilled, and she would marry Lord Shiva. Due to her unmatched devotion and penance, Maa Parvati was known as Aparna and Brahmacharini.
Puja Vidhi for Maa Brahmacharini on Day 2 of Navratri
To honor Maa Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri, devotees follow a specific Puja Vidhi:
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Purification: Begin the day with a bath and clean the Puja space. Devotees wear white or yellow, which signifies peace and purity.
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Kalash Sthapna: Install a Kalash (sacred pot) in the Puja area and place a coconut on top, surrounded by mango leaves.
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Invoke Maa Brahmacharini: Light a lamp and incense sticks. Offer white flowers, fruits (like sugarcane), and sweets to the Goddess.
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Chant Mantras: Recite Maa Brahmacharini’s mantras with devotion to seek her blessings.
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Meditation and Aarti: Meditate on Maa Brahmacharini and perform the Aarti while offering prayers.
Fasting Rituals for Maa Brahmacharini
Devotees often observe a strict fast on this day, consuming only fruits, milk, and water. Fasting is seen as a form of self-discipline and devotion, helping devotees cleanse their bodies and focus their minds on the divine.
Mantras to Chant for Maa Brahmacharini’s Blessings
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini helps invoke her divine energy and seek her grace. Here are the key mantras for Day 2 of Navratri:
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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।। Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupen Sansthita Namastasyay Namastasyay Namastasyay Namo Namah
Translation: “O Goddess Brahmacharini, who resides in all beings, I offer my salutations to you.” -
दधाना कर पद्माभ्याम अक्षमाला कमण्डलू। देवी प्रसीदतु मई ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।। Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmcharinyanuttama
Translation: “O Goddess Brahmacharini, holding the rosary and water pot in your hands, please be gracious to me.” -
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥ Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
Translation: “I offer my obeisance to Maa Brahmacharini.”
Importance of Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini brings numerous benefits to her devotees:
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Strength and Resilience: Her worship helps in gaining mental strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
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Emotional Balance: Maa Brahmacharini helps balance emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.
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Fulfillment of Desires: It is believed that those who pray to Maa Brahmacharini with devotion can fulfill their desires, especially those seeking marital happiness.
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Spiritual Growth: Her worship promotes spiritual development by enhancing patience, focus, and perseverance.
The second day of Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini is a day of devotion, penance, and inner strength. As devotees fast and perform the Puja Vidhi, they invite the blessings of the Goddess to overcome challenges and experience spiritual growth. With her grace, devotees can unlock the power of determination and tap into their higher potential.
May Maa Brahmacharini guide you towards happiness, wisdom, and success during this Navratri.
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