On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance and devotion. Her name, Brahmacharini, is derived from "Brahma," meaning penance, and "Charini," meaning a female follower. She is also known as Tapaswini or Parvati. Depicted holding a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left, she blesses her devotees with virtue, peace, compassion, prosperity, and happiness.

Maa Brahmacharini Puja Vidhi & Mantra

To perform the puja of Maa Brahmacharini, you will need the following items:

• Flowers

• Roli

• Akshat (rice)

• Sandalwood

Prepare for her sacred bath using milk, curd, sugar, and honey. Offer paan (betel leaf) and supari (areca nut) to the Goddess, and conclude the ritual by praying to the Navagrahas and your Ishta Devta (personal deity).

While worshipping, hold a flower in your hand and recite this mantra:

"Idhana Kadpadmabhyamshmalak Kamandalu
Devi Prasidtu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttma"

Next, bathe the Goddess with Panchamrit—a mixture of five sacred ingredients: honey, sugar, milk, yogurt, and ghee. Once the bath is complete, offer flowers, akshat, and sindoor. Maa Brahmacharini is fond of hibiscus and lotus flowers, so it is auspicious to offer her a garland made from these flowers. Conclude the puja with an aarti.

Maa Brahmacharini’s Strota Path

"Tapashcharini Twahi Tapatray Nivarneem
Brahmaroopdhara Brahmacharini Pranmaamyaham
Shankarpriya Twahi Bhuktimukti Dayini
Shanintda Gyaanda Brahmacharinipranmaamyaham"

To gain deeper insights into Navratri pujas and rituals, consult expert Vedic astrologers on Astroyogi for personalized guidance.

Aarti of Maa Brahmacharini

To honor and seek the divine blessings of Maa Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri, devotees perform an aarti to express their devotion and gratitude. This aarti invokes her energy of penance, strength, and discipline, ensuring prosperity, peace, and spiritual guidance in life.

Jai Ambe Brahmacharini Mata,
Jag Janani Jagat Ke Hitkarta

Rudraksha Mala Kanth Viraje,
Kumkum Tilak Manohar Lage.

Dwipe Pradip Phool Chadhao,
Brahmacharini Mata Ko Aao.

Shubh Phal Daane Wali Maa,
Bhakt Ka Dukh Harne Waali Maa.

Pati Vrata Maa Ka Yahi Vrat,
Shankar Jee Mile Tumko Sada.

Sahastra Kamal Se Tumko Vandau,
Sankat Ka Mai Nivaran Pau.

Shubh Laabh Humko Sab Koi Mile,
Maa Brahmacharini Kripa Kare.

The Story (Katha) of Maa Brahmacharini

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Brahmacharini is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati in her early years. She symbolizes the form in which Goddess Parvati engaged in severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband.

The story tells us that Goddess Parvati, in her previous birth as Sati, immolated herself because of the disrespect shown by her father, King Daksha, toward her husband, Lord Shiva. After Sati’s sacrifice, she was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, with the desire to marry Lord Shiva once again.

To win Lord Shiva's heart, Maa Parvati performed intense austerities and penance for thousands of years. It is said that she sustained herself on just fruits and then leaves, eventually consuming only air for sustenance. Her relentless penance moved the gods and sages, who blessed her with success in her devotion.

Moved by her unwavering resolve, Lord Shiva appeared before her and accepted her as his wife. Thus, her form as Maa Brahmacharini is revered for embodying perseverance, devotion, and self-discipline. Worshipping her is believed to inspire inner strength and dedication in one's personal endeavors.

For deeper insights into Navratri rituals, expert Vedic astrologers on Astroyogi can guide you based on your personal horoscope.