Navratri is one of the biggest festivals in India, celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. People dedicate this auspicious festival to Goddess Durga and worship her nine incarnations for nine days. The second day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Navdurga. In this article, we will discuss the significance and rituals of Navratri Day 2: Worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form of Navdurga.
Who is Maa Brahmacharini?
Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Navdurga, representing the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. She symbolizes the penance and hard austerity that Goddess Parvati practiced to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Artists depict Maa Brahmacharini as a woman holding a Rudraksh rosary in her right hand and a Kamandal in her left hand, while being barefooted. Tapascharini, Aparna, and Uma are alternative names for Maa Brahmacharini, who governs Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes.
Significance of worshipping Maa Brahmacharini
Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Brahmacharini blesses them with knowledge, courage, and wisdom moreover, it is said to help one achieve success, happiness, and prosperity in life. The devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini can help them overcome the negative influences of Mars in their horoscope. Devotees offer prayers to her on the second day of Navratri to seek her blessings.
Puja vidhi for Maa Brahmacharini
The puja of Maa Brahmacharini is performed on the second day of Navratri, which is known as Dwitiya Tithi. Devotees follow a specific ritual for worshipping the Goddess, which involves offering flowers, rice, sandalwood, and jasmine flowers to the deity. People bathe the Goddess with milk, curd, honey, and sugar, and perform aarti and chant mantras. Believers consider that offering sugar as bhog to the Goddess on this day brings good luck and success in life.
Mantras for Maa Brahmacharini
Reciting mantras while performing the puja of Maa Brahmacharini is considered highly auspicious. Some of the popular mantras that devotees chant while worshipping the Goddess are:
- Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
- Tapashcharini Tvamhi Tapatraya Nivaranim
- Brahmarupadhara Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham
- Shankarapriya Tvamhi Bhukti-Mukti Dayini
- Shantida Jnanada Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham
Conclusion
Overall, the second day of Navratri dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form of Navdurga. Devotees observe fast, perform puja vidhi, and offer prayers to the Goddess to seek her blessings and achieve knowledge, purity, and success. By understanding the significance and following the rituals of this day, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and lead a blessed life. May Maa Brahmacharini shower her blessings on all her devotees during this Navratri and beyond.
