Shardiya Navratri, one of the most important festivals in Hinduism started on October 3, 2024. This festival lasts for nine days and devotees worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, culminating with Dussehra on October 12, 2024. The second day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini, an incarnation of Ma Durga. Brahmacharini is believed to bless her devotees with wisdom, strength and knowledge.
She represents the severe penance undertaken by Ma Parvati, illustrating a commitment to overcoming challenges through perseverance and devotion. Devotees start the day by getting up early, engaging in rituals, and offering prayers to Brahmacharini. Common practices include bathing and purification wherein a morning bath is considered essential to prepare for worship. It also include lighting a ghee diya wherein the illumination of a ghee lamp signifies the dispelling of ignorance and darkness.
It also includes offering flowers and sweets such as jasmine flowers, known for its fragrance, along with sweets like pista barfi and sugar, which are favored offerings. It also includes chanting and recitation wherein devotees chant mantras and the Durga Saptashati Path. Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as a young ascetic dressed in white garments, holding a rosary in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left. This representation symbolizes purity and devotion. The red color, associated with her, embodies love and passion, reinforcing the idea that love is a powerful force in the pursuit of spiritual goals.
The legend of Goddess Brahmacharini is a poignant tale of devotion and sacrifice. It shows how Goddess Parvati, in her previous incarnation as Devi Shakti, undertook penance to win the love of Bhagwan Shiva, who was absorbed in deep meditation. Kamadeva, the god of love, was called upon to inspire desire in lord Shiva, who reacted ferociously to the disturbance of his meditation. Meanwhile, Parvati endured natural conditions, subsisting only on fruits and roots, eventually renouncing food altogether to focus solely on her devotion to lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, disguised as an ascetic, approached Parvati to dissuade her from her extreme path but she remained resolute. Her perseverance was rewarded when Shiva accepted her as his wife, reuniting the divine couple. The worship of Goddess Brahmacharini serves as an inspiration for devotees to persevere through life’s challenges. It show the significance of emotional strength and mental balance, encouraging individuals to uphold their ethics.
Devotees often perform the Kalashsthapana (installation of the holy pot) as part of their rituals. This includes preparation wherein a clay pot is used, devotees sow Sapta Dhanya (seven grains) to symbolize abundance. While setting the Kalash, a pot is filled with Ganga jal, betel nut, and coins is placed at the center, adorned with Mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing prosperity. Alongside chanting the Brahmacharini Beeja Mantra, white flowers, sweets and a ghee lamp are offered.
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