Navratri Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Navadurga; Significance, story and mantra here

New Delhi: On the second day of Sharadiya Navratri, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini. On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Maa Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance, sacrifice, and meditation, inspires devotees with self-confidence, self-control, and progress towards their goals. Chanting her mantras and performing aarti on this day bestows blessings of immense energy, knowledge, and the fulfillment of their desires. Form and Significance of Maa Brahmacharini According to Durga Saptashati, Maa Brahmacharini's form is extremely calm, ascetic, and pure. She is dressed in white, symbolizing purity. She holds an eight-petalled rosary in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left. This form signifies the importance of penance, self-control, and spiritual practice, inspiring devotees with self-confidence and patience. The temple of Maa Brahmacharini Devi is situated in Varanasi. This is a serene place where devotees come to pay homage to this calm and meditative avatar. [caption id="attachment_158975" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Brahmacharini Devi Temple, Varanasi[/caption] Maa Brahmacharini Mantra and Aarti Chanting the mantra to invoke Mother Brahmacharini is considered very effective. The mantra is as follows: “Ya Devi Sarvabheteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupan Sansthita. Namastesayee Namastesayee Namastesayee Namo Namah. Dadhana kar madmaabhyam akshamala kamandalu. Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama." Her Aarti is also performed on this day, due to which the Goddess is pleased and the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. Special Offering And Worship Method On the second day of Navratri, sugar is offered to Goddess Brahmacharini. According to religious beliefs, offering this offering brings success, longevity and prosperity to the seeker in all spheres of life. Devotees observe fast on this day and worship with reverence and devotion. Story of Mother Brahmacharini Mother Brahmacharini is the daughter of the mountain king Himalaya and the second form of Mother Shailputri. She performed rigorous penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She began her life by living on fruits and flowers, then lived on dry leaves, and finally fasted without food or water. Due to the significance of her austerities, she is called the "Goddess of Penance." Pleased with her austerity, Lord Shiva bestows his boons upon her. Spiritual Significance of the Second Day The second day of Navratri is considered a symbol of self-control, celibacy, and spiritual practice. Worshiping Mother Brahmacharini on this day increases self-control, patience, and inner strength. This day is especially beneficial for students, seekers, and those who aspire to achieve higher goals in life. With Mother's grace, spiritual practice is successful and helps in achieving the four objectives of life—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. On this auspicious day of Sharadiya Navratri, devotion to Mother Brahmacharini fills one's life with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Devotees should invoke the Goddess on this day through chanting of mantras and performing aarti and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes.