The Auspicious Occasion of Navratri
Navratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, is observed with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. Spanning nine nights and ten days, this sacred celebration is dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga in her nine divine forms. Shardiya Navratri 2025 commenced on September 22, marking the beginning of a spiritually significant period for devotees.
Each day is devoted to a different manifestation of the Goddess, with rituals, fasting, and prayers carried out with unwavering faith. The second day, observed on September 23, 2025 (Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina), is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini—the serene embodiment of penance and spiritual wisdom.
Significance of Day 2: Worship of Maa Brahmacharini
On this sacred second day, devotees honor Maa Brahmacharini, the Goddess of austerity and devotion. Known for her calm and composed demeanor, she symbolizes the intense penance performed to attain divine truth. She is depicted in a white saree, exuding purity, and holds a japa mala (rosary) in her right hand and a kamandal (sacred water pot) in her left.
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini is believed to bestow inner strength, resilience, wisdom, and knowledge. Also known by names such as Devi Yogini and Devi Tapasvini, she represents the soul’s deep longing for union with the divine. Her association with the planet Mars and the Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana) emphasizes her influence on courage and emotional balance.
According to Vedic astrology, offering prayers to Maa Brahmacharini is especially beneficial for those suffering from Mangal Dosha, as her blessings help remove planetary imbalances and hardships.
The Sacred Colour and Offering
The color associated with Day 2 of Navratri 2025 is red, symbolizing strength and devotion. Devotees are encouraged to offer hibiscus flowers to the Goddess, along with other items of white and red hues. Red is also a representation of the life force and the sacred feminine energy that Maa Brahmacharini embodies.
The Divine Legend of Maa Brahmacharini
The story of Maa Brahmacharini originates from the ancient scriptures. She is said to have been born as the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Menaka, taking the form of Parvati in her human incarnation. Deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, she renounced all worldly comforts and embarked on a path of intense penance to win his heart.
Her tapasya was unparalleled—she survived on fruits and flowers for a thousand years, then on herbs, and later, only on Bilva Patra (Bael leaves). Eventually, she gave up food and water entirely, continuing her spiritual austerities for another thousand years. Moved by her unwavering devotion, the gods and sages bestowed upon her the name “Aparna” and blessed her with the union she so deeply desired—marriage to Lord Shiva.
Puja Vidhi: Rituals to Please Maa Brahmacharini
To receive the blessings of Maa Brahmacharini on this divine day, devotees should follow the traditional puja vidhi (ritual process) with sincerity and devotion:
- Rise early, cleanse the body, and wear clean, preferably white or red attire.
- Light a desi cow ghee diya (lamp) before the idol or image of the Goddess.
- Offer shringaars, including white mogra flowers, hibiscus, kumkum, and incense.
- Present white sweets as bhog (offering).
- Recite the Durga Saptashati Path and chant sacred mantras dedicated to Maa Durga.
- In the evening, perform aarti and repeat the puja rituals.
- Those observing fasts should break their fasts only after the evening prayers.
Powerful Mantras to Chant
Invoking the blessings of Maa Brahmacharini through mantras helps deepen the spiritual connection:
1. Sanskrit Mantra:
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Transliteration:
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah..!!
2. Sanskrit Shloka:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:॥
Transliteration:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupen Sansthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah..!!
Chanting these mantras with devotion is believed to invoke divine grace, discipline, and spiritual strength in one’s life.
