A devoted female student who lives in an Ashrama with her Guru and other students is known as a Brahmacharini. It is also the name of the goddess Durga’s second aspect. On the second day of Navratri, the goddess is worshipped (the nine divine nights of Navadurga). The goddess Brahmacharini is dressed in white and holds a Japa mala in her right hand and a Kamandal, a water utensil in her left. In this manifestation, she embraces tapa (penance) and is known to bestow happiness and eternal wisdom on her devotees.
History & Origin
Goddess Durga had previously sacrificed her life in King Daksha’s Maha Yagna. She later gave birth as the daughter of Himavan, the King of Mountains, and was given the name Parvati.
As she grew older, Maa Parvati resolved to marry Lord Shiva, her previous birth husband. When her parents learned of her desire, they strongly discouraged her and told her that it was impossible. Maa Parvati, on the other hand, was adamant about marrying Lord Shiva.
Sage Narada, Lord Brahma’s son, came to see her one day. He told Maa Parvati that the only way she could tie the knot with Lord Shiva was if she followed a path of penance and meditation after understanding her wish.
Maa Parvati followed Sage Narada’s advice and embarked on a journey of intense penance and devotion. She even stopped eating and only ate fruits and flowers. She was so dedicated that she refused to eat anything else for more than a century.
For the next 3000 years, she only ate fallen leaves and slept on the forest floor. She eventually stopped eating fallen leaves and stopped drinking water as well. She eventually became fragile, and her body became extremely weak. She, on the other hand, resisted and continued her repentance for many more years.
Soon, word of her devotion and sacrifice reached every corner of the globe, including the Gods. When Lord Brahma, the Creator, heard about Maa Parvati’s penance, he appeared in front of her. He was moved by her devotion and told her that no one else could have gone through what she had. Lord Brahma bestowed blessings on Maa Parvati and told her that her love for Lord Shiva was truly unique and pure.
Maa Parvati’s penance was now even more diligent and determined, thanks to Lord Brahma’s blessing. Soon, Lord Shiva noticed her sacrifice and accepted her as his wife. She was given the names Bramhacharini or Tapacharini as a result of her strong act of dedicated penance and unwavering faith (someone who follows the path of Tapa).
Brahmacharini Mata’s Mantra
आराधना मंत्र
1. या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
2. दधाना कर पद्माभ्याम अक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मई ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।।
Importance
Maa Brahmacharini represents faith, love, and sacrifice. She is depicted wearing white clothes and holding a Kamandala – a utensil used to hold holy water – and a rosary in her hands. She teaches her devotees to remain determined and focused on adversity. Maa Bramhacharini also bestows knowledge, peace, strength, and prosperity on her devotees.
Temple
K-22/72, Durga Ghat is the address for Brahmacharini. Devotees can take a rickshaw up to Bhairavnath and then walk up to the Brahmeshwar temple. Alternatively, they can take a boat up to Durga Ghat / Brahma Ghat and climb the steps. During Navratri, which occurs in September/October, devotees specifically worship Brahmacharini Devi. Along with Goddesses such as Maheshwari and Varahi, there is another Devi worshipped as Brahmini who is very powerful. This Devi idol can be found at the Brahmeshwar temple in Varanasi, at D-33/66 Khalispur, near Dasaswamedh.
The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aarti is performed at 6 a.m., 4 p.m., and 11 p.m. (Shayan Aarti).
Alternatively, they can take a boat up to Durga Ghat / Brahma Ghat and climb the steps. During Navratri, which occurs in September/October, devotees specifically worship Brahmacharini Devi.
Frequently Asked Question
White is known to be associated with the second day of Navratri and with the deity as it signifies bachelorhood and the colour white signifies purity.
Sugar is offered as bhog to the Goddess Brahmacharini by devotees. As bhog, you can give the goddess singhare atte ka halwa or kacche kele ki barfi.
The goddess wears white clothes. Brahmacharini means who lives in an Ashrama and a female who pursues sacred religious knowledge.
Her abode is in the Svadhishthana Chakra.
With the Blessings of Maa Brahmacharini, we’ve delivered this article in the best form and hope that it helped you! If there are any discrepancies you can mention them in the comment section. May Maa Brahamacharini shower all the blessings and strength on you!
HAPPY NAVRATRI
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