Navratri: Brahmacharini Maa, worshipped on Day 2, is Devi’s ascetic form

Neha Mangal

The 2nd day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini or Brahmacharini Maa, the second one shaped as Divine Maa Parvati. Brahma means penance and ‘Charini’ method whose achar (conduct) is that. So Maa Durga’s manifestation as the one who does penance or tapasya interprets as Brahmacharini Maa. Brahmacharini Maa is also referred to as Devi Yogini and Devi Tapsvini.
Maa Brahmacharini’s picture portrays Her carrying a Kamandal in her left hand and Japa Mala (Rosary) in right hand. Brahmacharini Devi wears a White Saree along with shiny-Orange border and Rudraksha as ornament with a serene, and calm appearance. Mata Brahmacharini personifies love and loyalty. Brahmacharini Maa is an epitome of knowledge, expertise, unmarried minded willpower and stated to be the mightiest of the Nava Durgas.
Maa Brahmacharini is associated with Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra/ Seat of the Soul Chakra/ Soul Chakra), and upon awakening of this chakra, the mind of the worshipper moves spiritually upward, This chakra helps in maintaining the devotion and dedication in a steady manner

LEGEND OF MAA BRAHMACHARINI
Ancient scriptures reveal that the king Daksha Prajapati, a devotee of Lord Shiva, was blessed with a girl in the form of Maa Parvati. A young Parvati came to be known as Brahmacharini after a strict tap of thousand years. Brahmacharini expressed her desire to marry Lord Shiva by severe penance. Then, she continued fasting for years by surviving on fruits and leaves.
After continuing with severe austerities and walking  barefoot without any food or water, Parvati came to be known as ‘Aparna’. Devotees offer fresh Jasmine flowers as it is said to appease Goddess Brahmacharini.                                                                              It is believed that by worshiping Mata Brahmacharini, problems and obstacles related to marriage get minimised from one’s life. Mata Brahmacharini also rules over the planet Mercury, worshiping her blesses the person with wisdom, might, good mind and good health.
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