Navratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, who is known as the goddess of penance, devotion, and inner strength. Her name itself means “the one who follows the path of devotion and tapas (penance).” Worshipping her is believed to bring peace, patience, and the power to stay determined even during tough times.
Who is Maa Brahmacharini?
Maa Brahmacharini is the embodiment of simplicity, wisdom, and devotion. In this form, Goddess Parvati meditated with complete dedication to please Lord Shiva and marry him. She walked barefoot, survived only on fruits and leaves, and later performed years of strict penance without food and water. Her determination and devotion symbolize the highest level of spiritual discipline.
Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Navdurga, is worshipped as the symbol of simplicity, wisdom, and deep devotion. Her appearance is serene, calm, and filled with divine radiance. She wears a white saree or simple white clothes, representing purity, peace, and spiritual austerity. Unlike other forms of Goddess Durga, she is minimally adorned, symbolizing detachment from materialism. She is shown walking barefoot, reflecting her penance and simplicity. In her right hand, she carries a japamala (rosary beads), signifying continuous meditation, devotion, and prayer. In her left hand, she holds a kamandalu (water pot), representing discipline, tapas (penance), and the life of asceticism. Her face is calm, compassionate, and glowing with divine energy, radiating patience and inner strength. A gentle divine glow surrounds her, emphasizing her spiritual power and purity.
Puja Vidhi of Maa Brahmacharini
Worship of Maa Brahmacharini is simple yet powerful. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cleanse and Prepare – Wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes (preferably white or light colors), and purify the puja space. Place an idol or picture of Maa Brahmacharini on a clean altar.
- Kalash Sthapana – Place a kalash (pot) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut. Decorate it with red or white cloth and rice grains. This symbolizes the presence of divine energy.
- Invocation – Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks. Offer akshat (rice mixed with turmeric), flowers, sandalwood paste, and roli (vermilion) to the Goddess.
- Offerings (Bhog) – Maa Brahmacharini is pleased with simple offerings. Sugar, mishri, fruits, and sattvic food like kheer or sweetened milk are considered ideal.
- Chanting of Mantras – Recite her mantras with full devotion. Use a japamala if possible and chant 108 times to experience peace and concentration.
- Aarti and Prasad – Perform the aarti with a diya and bell, and finally distribute the prasad among family members and guests.
- You can also worship Maa Brahmacharini at the place of kalas, which was stapit on the first day of Navratri.
Bhog for Maa Brahmacharini
Unlike other forms of Durga, who are offered grand delicacies, Maa Brahmacharini loves simple and pure bhog.
- Sugar (Mishri) – Believed to bring sweetness in relationships.
- Fruits – Fresh and seasonal fruits are offered for health and vitality.
- Kheer or Sweetened Milk – Symbol of purity and devotion.
Serving these to the Goddess with love and faith is said to remove sorrows and bring harmony in life.
Powerful Mantras of Maa Brahmacharini
Chanting mantras during puja strengthens the mind and attracts divine blessings. Some powerful mantras are:
- Main Mantra:
“ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः।”
(Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah) - Dhyana Mantra:
“Dadhana kara padmabhyam akshamala kamandalu,
Devi prasidatu mayi brahmacharinyanuttama.”
Meaning: “Holding a rosary in one hand and a water pot in the other, O Goddess Brahmacharini, please bless me with your divine grace.”
Chanting these mantras daily during Navratri brings inner peace, willpower, and spiritual progress.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini
The second day of Navratri is all about devotion, patience, and strength. Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini helps devotees:
- Overcome difficulties with courage and calmness.
- Develop patience and focus in personal and spiritual life.
- Attain peace of mind and freedom from stress.
- Strengthen their resolve to achieve goals.
She inspires us to remain steady and faithful even during the toughest challenges. Her blessings guide devotees towards knowledge, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening.
Final Thoughts
The worship of Maa Brahmacharini is not about elaborate rituals, but about simplicity, sincerity, and deep devotion. Offering her sugar, fruits, and kheer with a pure heart, chanting her mantras, and performing the puja with dedication can transform the mind and soul.
On this Navratri, may Maa Brahmacharini bless you with patience, strength, and the unwavering determination to achieve your goals.
