Who is Goddess Brahmacharini?
Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati in the form of the great Sati. Her unmarried form is worshipped as the 2nd form of NavaDuga – Goddess Brahmacharini. She signifies as the lady; who practiced the toughest penance and hard austerity. So, she is named Brahmacharini. Shevanti, Hibiscus and lotus flowers are used to garland the Goddess. The deity of the Goddess holds a mala in her right hand and kamandal in her left. She is always represented barefooted.
Maa Brahmacharini Story
According to different versions of her myths, maiden Parvati resolves to marry Shiva. Her parents learn of her desire, discourage her, but she pursues what she wants and did Tap for about 5000 years. In the meantime, Gods approached god Kamadeva – the Hindu god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection and asks him to generate desire in Shiva for Parvati. They did this because of an asura named Tarkasur who gained the boon of being killed by only Lord Shiva’s child. Kama reaches to him and shoots an arrow of desire. Shiva opens his third eye in his forehead and burns the cupid Kama to ashes.
Parvati does not lose her hope or her resolve to win over Shiva. She begins to live in mountains like Shiva, engages in the same activities as him, one of asceticism, yogin, and tapas; it is this aspect of Parvati that is deemed to be that of Goddess Brahmacharini. Her ascetic pursuit draws his attention and awakens his interest. He meets her in disguised form, tries to discourage her, telling her Shiva’s weaknesses and personality problems. Parvati refuses to listen and insists on her resolve. Shiva finally accepts her and they get married.
Significance of Maa Brahmacharini
On the 2nd day of Navratri, Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped. The form of Goddess Brahmacharini signifies love, loyalty, wisdom, and knowledge. The facade of Maa Brahmacharini symbolizes simplicity. She holds a rosary in one hand and a Kamandal in another. Maa Brahmacharini, the word “Brahm” refers to Tapa and her name means -the one who performs Tapa. Going by the story, she was born to Himalaya. Devrishi Narada influenced her thoughts and as a result, she practiced tough tapa or penances as she was determined to obtain Lord Shiva.
Important facts about Maa Brahmacharini
- Origin: After the Shailputri form, the Mother Goddess took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati, as his daughter, Sati, who was born to marry Shiva. This unmarried form of the Mother Goddess is worshiped as Brahmacharini.
- Meaning: The word “Brahm” refers to Tapa and her name means – The one who performs Tapa.
- Worship Date: 2nd day of Navratri (Dwitiya Tithi)
- Planet: Mars
- Favorite Flower: Chrysanthemum flower
- Favorite Color: White
- Brahmacharini Mantra: Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम
- Other Names: Tapascharini, Aparna and Uma
- Appearance: Walks on bare feet, carrying a Japa mala in Her right hand and a kamandalu in Her left hand.
