Chanting Mantra: “ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः”
Meditation Mantra: “दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू। देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥”
On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, the embodiment of penance, discipline, and unwavering determination. Her very name, “Brahmacharini,” means “one who follows the path of Brahma” – symbolizing devotion, austerity, and supreme tapasya (penance). She blesses her devotees with endurance, self-control, and the strength to pursue spiritual awakening.
Form and Iconography
Maa Brahmacharini is depicted as serene and radiant. She walks barefoot, embodying the life of a tapasvini (ascetic). In her right hand, she holds a rosary of rudraksha beads, representing constant meditation and devotion, and in her left, she carries a kamandalu (water pot), a symbol of simplicity and restraint. Her calm face exudes peace and quiet strength, reminding devotees that true power lies in patience and perseverance.
The Symbolism of White
White is the color of Maa Brahmacharini. She is adorned in pure white garments, and her worship involves white flowers, sandalwood paste, and offerings. The color represents purity, truth, peace, and renunciation. By wearing white on this day and offering white blossoms like jasmine and mogra, devotees align themselves with the qualities of sattva—clarity, wisdom, and calmness.
Mythological Significance
According to legend, Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, performed severe austerities to obtain Lord Shiva as her consort. Guided by Sage Narada, she lived on fruits, sometimes even foregoing water, and meditated in harsh conditions for thousands of years. Her determination and devotion moved Brahma, who blessed her wish. Eventually, she was united with Lord Shiva. This story emphasizes the virtues of unshakable resolve and the transformative power of tapas, which Maa Brahmacharini embodies.
Worship Rituals
On the second day of Navratri, devotees wake up at dawn, bathe, and dress in white attire.
- They begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Then they invite and meditate upon Maa Brahmacharini, offering white sandalwood, rice, and flowers.
- Jasmine and mogra are considered especially auspicious.
- Devotees prepare kheer, fruits, sweets, and panchamrit as offerings.
- Chanting the mantra “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah” with a rudraksha mala calms the mind and deepens concentration.
Stuti Mantra:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
Prayer:
“तपश्चर्या परम तपो कृत्वा लोकहिताय च।
उस ब्रह्मचारिणी माँ की हम शरण लें॥”
Significance of Devotion
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini awakens inner discipline and strengthens willpower. Her blessings manifest in many ways:
- Spiritual Benefits: purification of the Swadhisthana chakra, development of detachment, inner peace, and liberation.
- Academic Benefits: improved focus, sharper memory, and success in studies.
- Social Benefits: harmony in relationships, respect in society, and release from harmful habits.
- Personal Benefits: greater self-confidence, resilience, and determination to face life’s challenges.
The observance of restraint (brahmacharya) on this day is considered especially powerful. Devotees practice simplicity, avoid indulgences, and immerse themselves in prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading.
Maa Brahmacharini teaches us that true strength is not in avoiding hardships but in walking through them with steadfast devotion. Her grace inspires courage, inner clarity, and the promise of liberation.
Jai Maa Brahmacharini!
