The nine-day Navratri festival commenced in India on October 3 and will conclude on October 12. Today is the second day of the festivities and will witness devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini.
Maa Brahmacharini embodies penance and austerity, symbolising the strength of knowledge and the significance of self-discipline. Shei is typically portrayed as a young woman, deeply devoted and focused, representing purity and spiritual wisdom.
Navratri 2024 Day 2, Maa Brahmacharini: Significance
Maa Brahmacharini is depicted walking barefoot, with two hands – holding a jap mala (prayer beads) in her right hand and a kamandal in her left. Revered as a great Sati, she is worshipped in her unmarried form by devotees. She is associated with several legends that also show her significance. Maa Brahmacharini symbolises devotion, peace, and perseverance
Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Goddess Durga, derives her name from two Sanskrit words: “Brahma,” symbolising supreme consciousness or knowledge, and “Charini,” meaning one who practices or pursues. Her name thus signifies “one who pursues knowledge and self-discipline.” She is revered as the goddess of penance, devotion, and inner strength.
Her calm and serene demeanor reflects her profound dedication to spiritual practice, penance, and devotion. Clad in white attire, she embodies purity and simplicity.
Navratri 2024 Day 2: Color of the day
Today’s colour is green. It symbolises nature and evokes feelings of growth, fertility, peace, and serenity.
Navratri 2024 Day 2: Puja Timings, Vidhi and Rituals
According to Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya tithi of Day 2 of Navratri, which falls on Friday, October 4, will last until 5:30 am on October 5.
Devotees are to rise early during Brahma muhurta on the second day of Shardiya Navratri and take a bath to purify themselves. Following this, they should sprinkle Gangajal in their home’s place of worship and worship Maa Durga as a family.
In a kalash (metal pot), offer jasmine flowers, rice, and sandalwood to Maa Brahmacharini. After bathing the idol and adorning the goddess, present her with jasmine flowers, roli, and kumkum. The deity is also honored with an abhishek using milk, curd, and honey, and a special bhog of sugar is prepared as an offering.
Navratri 2024 Day 2: Vrat Katha/Aarti
Prathana – Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama
Puja Mantra – Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
Stuti – Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah