Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga among the Nava Durga. She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri. The word `Brahm` means `Tapa.` Thus, Brahmcharini means Tapa Charini i.e. one who performs penance. The face of the goddess depicts a combination of radiance and majestic beauty.
Legend of Goddess Brahmacharini
According to the legend Goddess Brahmacharini was born as the daughter of Himalaya Mountain. In order to have Lord Shiva as her divine consort and following the instructions of Devrishi Narada she practised severe penances. Hence she was named as Brahmacharini. For almost one thousand years she lived on fruits and beet roots. She also observed complete fasting for a long period of time. She suffered the pains of heavy rains, scorching sun and chilling cold. She followed a very tough routine such as surviving on dry Bilva pattaras and remained engrossed in the worship of Lord Shiva throughout the day. After sometime she even gave up eating and for several years lived without food and water.
Goddess Brahmacharini became very lean and thin upon practising severe penance. Her penance caused great disturbances in the three worlds that all the gods, sages prayed to her. They praised her for her rigorous penance. Lord Brahma finally appeared and addressed her. He eulogised her devotion and told her that no one had before performed such severe austerities. Her devotion was to be praised in all the four quarters. He blessed her that her wishes will be fulfilled and she would receive Lord Shiva as her divine consort.
The worshipper of Goddess Brahmacharini is blessed with success and victory. On the second day of Navaratri Pooja the worshipper is established in Swadhisthana Chakra.
Attributes of Goddess Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahmacharini is seen holding a rosary in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left hand. Her most adorned ornament is rudraksha. The goddess is regarded as the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom.
Worship the Goddess Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahmacharini is usually worshipped with flowers, rice, sandalwood that are kept in the kalash that is established on the first day of the Navaratri. She is then bathed with milk, curd and honey. Brahmacharini is worshipped after the Kalash dev, the lord of the villages, town and planets. She is also prayed with red flower and lotus. The worshipper then must perform the aarti with diya filled with ghee. The following mantra is chanted while praying to the goddess.
Ya Devi Sarvbhuteshu Srishti Roopen Samsthita |
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||
Dadhana Kar padmabhyamakshamalakamandalu |
Devi Praseedatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama ||
