Brahmacharini Maa is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. She is considered as the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. Brahamacharini is the Sanskrit term which means: Brahma, the absolute reality, the supreme consciousness + Charini, the female version of 'Charya', which means the one who behaves or conducts.
About Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini Mata adorns herself in white attire; keeps a Japa Mala (rosary) in her right hand and Kamandala (stoup) in her left hand. She signifies loyalty and wisdom. Also, she is an epitome of love.
Legend
As per the mythology, Goddess Parvati had this desire to marry Lord Shiva. When her parents got to know about this, they tried to discourage her. However, it didn't work and she approached Lord Kama, the God of erotic activities and attraction, to help her. In this pursuit, Kama shot an arrow of pleasure and desire into Shiva. Being in meditative state, Shiva got disturbed and really angry. So, he burnt him into ashes.
The story didn't end here. She, then, started living the way Shiva does. The Goddess went to mountains and lived the life of an ascetic for many years. Hence, she got the name Brahmacharini. Due to this, she drew the attention of Lord Shiva. So, he went to her in disguise and told all the negative traits of Shiva. But, the Goddess paid no heed to such things rather she resisted to hear all that. Shiva finally accepted her and they got married.
Astrological Aspect
Goddess Brahmacharini governs the planet Mars in astrology. Worshiping her can eliminate all the bad effects of Mars.
Mantras
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
दधाना कर पद्माभ्याम अक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मई ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।।
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Dhyan Mantra:
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
जपमाला कमण्डलु धरा ब्रह्मचारिणी शुभाम्॥
गौरवर्णा स्वाधिष्ठानस्थिता द्वितीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
धवल परिधाना ब्रह्मरूपा पुष्पालङ्कार भूषिताम्॥
परम वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोला पीन।
पयोधराम् कमनीया लावणयं स्मेरमुखी निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम्॥
Stotra:
तपश्चारिणी त्वंहि तापत्रय निवारणीम्।
ब्रह्मरूपधरा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
शङ्करप्रिया त्वंहि भुक्ति-मुक्ति दायिनी।
शान्तिदा ज्ञानदा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Kavacha (Shield/Protection Mantra):
त्रिपुरा में हृदयम् पातु ललाटे पातु शङ्करभामिनी।
अर्पण सदापातु नेत्रो, अर्धरी च कपोलो॥
पञ्चदशी कण्ठे पातु मध्यदेशे पातु महेश्वरी॥
षोडशी सदापातु नाभो गृहो च पादयो।
अङ्ग प्रत्यङ्ग सतत पातु ब्रह्मचारिणी॥
With this, we hope that you will make the best of Navratri’s second day. May Maa Brahmacharini blesses you with all the goodness of life. Happy Navratri!
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