Maa Brahmacharini – Navratri Day 2
Maa Brahmacharini: The Goddess of Penance (Navratri Day 2)
On the second day of the auspicious Navratri festival, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini. She is the second manifestation of the Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga).
Her name is derived from two words: Brahma (Penance) and Charini (One who practices). Thus, she is the Goddess who practices devout austerity. Worshipping her grants the devotee emotional strength, wisdom, and the power to stay focused on their goals.
📅 When to Worship Maa Brahmacharini in 2026?
Plan your fasting schedule with our complete Hindu Festival Calendar 2026.
Date: March 20, 2026 (Friday)
Date: October 12, 2026 (Monday)
The Legend of Her Penance (Tapasya)
In her previous birth as Shailputri (Parvati), the Goddess desired to marry Lord Shiva. Upon the advice of Sage Narada, she undertook a severe penance (Tapasya) for thousands of years to please Mahadev. This ascetic phase of her life is worshipped as Brahmacharini.
For the first 1,000 years, she lived only on fruits and roots. For the next 3,000 years, she consumed only fallen Bilva leaves. Eventually, she gave up food and water entirely, living on air. Because she gave up eating leaves (Parna), she also earned the name Aparna. Her dedication pleased Lord Shiva, who accepted her as his wife.
- Appearance: She walks barefoot, symbolizing simplicity.
- Right Hand: Holds a Japa Mala (Rosary) representing meditation and focus.
- Left Hand: Holds a Kamandalu (Water Pot) representing purification.
- Attire: She wears simple white clothes, signifying purity and renunciation.
Navratri Day 2 Puja Vidhi
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini governs the Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra). Here is the step-by-step ritual:
Begin by sprinkling Gangajal on yourself and the puja altar. Bathe the idol with milk, curd, and honey (Panchamrit).
Maa Brahmacharini loves Jasmine (Chameli) and Hibiscus flowers. Offer a garland of these.
Offer simple sugar, rock sugar (Mishri), or fruits. She prefers simplicity.
Conclude by performing the Aarti with camphor and reciting the Brahmacharini mantra.
🕉️ Maa Brahmacharini Mantra
Dadhana Kara Padmabhyam Akshamala Kamandalu,
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama.
“O Goddess Brahmacharini, who holds the rosary and water pot in her hands, please be propitious to me. You are the unsurpassed one.”
🎨 Auspicious Color for Day 2: Green
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Conclusion
Maa Brahmacharini teaches us that through hard work and sacrifice, any goal can be achieved. Her worship removes mental instability and leads to spiritual awakening. By booking a puja through SmartPuja, you can experience the divine energy of Navratri with authentic rituals.
