The nine-day festival of Navratri, marked by devotion, dance, and cultural fervour, began on 22 September and will conclude with Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, on 2 October. On the second day, devotees across the country honour Maa Brahmacharini, the second manifestation of Goddess Durga, revered for her austerity and penance.
According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Brahmacharini symbolises purity, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. Depicted as barefoot, carrying a Jap Mala in her right hand and a Kamandal in her left, she represents the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. As the story goes, she undertook severe penance for thousands of years, surviving only on flowers, fruits, and later nothing at all, to win Lord Shiva’s hand in marriage. Her relentless devotion eventually appeased Lord Shiva, though her union led to self-immolation, with a wish to be reborn into a family that honoured her husband.
Maa Brahmacharini derives her name from an episode where Lord Shiva, disguised as a Brahmachari, tested her devotion during her penance. She is also associated with Lord Mangal (Mars), considered the planet of fortune. Worshipping her is believed to bring peace of mind, self-control, spiritual growth, and the strength to face life’s challenges with patience and wisdom.
Auspicious Timings for Navratri Day 2
As per Drik Panchang, the following are the key muhurta for worship on this day:
Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 am – 05:22 am
Pratah Sandhya: 04:59 am – 06:10 am
Abhijit Muhurta: 11:49 am – 12:37 pm
Vijaya Muhurta: 02:14 pm – 03:03 pm
Godhuli Muhurta: 06:16 pm – 06:40 pm
Sayahna Sandhya: 06:16 pm – 07:28 pm
Amrit Kalam: 07:06 am – 08:51 am
Nishita Muhurta: 11:50 pm – 12:37 am (24 September)
Dwi Pushkara Yoga: 01:40 pm – 04:51 am (24 September)
Colour of the Day
The auspicious colour for Day 2 is red, symbolising passion and love. Devotees are encouraged to wear red during rituals and offer a red chunri to the Goddess. The colour is said to fill devotees with vitality and attract the Goddess’s blessings for a long, fulfilling life.
Puja Vidhi
The worship of Maa Brahmacharini involves several key rituals:
1. Preparation: Cleanse the puja area and gather all essentials.
2. Kalash Sthapana: Place a water-filled Kalash topped with mango leaves and coconut on the altar, sprinkling Ganga Jal for purification.
3. Idol Placement: Decorate the idol or picture of Maa Brahmacharini with flowers and a red chunri.
4. Offerings: Apply kumkum tilak, offer rice, white or lotus flowers, light a ghee lamp, incense sticks, and present Panchamrit (a blend of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
5. Chanting: Recite the mantra “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah” ideally 108 times.
6. 6. Aarti and Prayers: Perform aarti with camphor, accompanied by hymns and devotional songs.
7. Prasad Distribution: Conclude by offering sweets or fruits to the Goddess and sharing them with devotees.
