Maa Brahmacharini | माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी

Who is Maa Brahmacharini ?

Maa Brahmacharini's name is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Brahma," signifying the self-existent spirit, and "Charini," representing engagement. She represents the unmarried aspect of Goddess Parvati and was born in the household of Daksha Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma.

The name "Brahmacharini" signifies one who practices penance (Brahma). Goddess Parvati, known for her great devotion and penance, takes on the form of Brahmacharini, radiating immense brilliance and majesty.

The second day of Navaratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form of Goddess Durga. She is associated with the Swadishthana chakra and is also known as Devi Yogni and Devi Tapsvini. 

About Maa Brahmacharini | माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी

Maa Brahmacharini Story

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati's previous incarnation was Devi Shakti, who self-immolated because her husband, Lord Shiva, was disrespected and overlooked by her father, Prajapati Dakshya. 

Determined to make Lord Shiva her husband, Goddess Parvati embarked on a path of extreme austerity and penance. She spent 1,000 years surviving on fruits, flowers, meager herbs and beetroots and the following 100 years consuming only leafy greens.

In the meantime, the Devas (Demi-Gods) approached Kamadeva, the God of love and desire, for help. They urged Kamadeva to kindle a desire in Lord Shiva's heart for Parvati, as a demon named Tarkasura was wreaking havoc in the celestial world, and only Lord Shiva's son could defeat him. 

Given the urgency, Kamadeva shot an arrow of love at Lord Shiva, who, when disturbed in meditation, assumed His fierce form and incinerated Kamadeva. 

On the other hand, Parvati endured the harsh forces of nature, enduring torrential rains, scorching sun, and biting cold while living under the open sky. She sustained herself by consuming only Bilva leaves, and eventually, She even gave up eating them. Because of this, Brahmacharini Mata was called Aparna. 

Lord Shiva, aware of Maa Brahmacharini's Tapasya (penance), disguised Himself as an ascetic and tried to dissuade her from her arduous path. However, Goddess Brahmacharini remained resolute and unwavering. Her determination touched Lord Shiva, and He accepted Brahmacharini Maa as His wife, reuniting Shiva and Shakti once more.

Such arduous penance earned her the name "Tapashcharini" or Brahmacharini.

During the Navratri festival, many people observe fasting during the day, breaking it in the evening after worshiping the Divine Mother and having a single vegetarian meal. Devi Brahmacharini is honored on the second day of Navratri by devotees seeking the strength to abstain from food and water and to gain mastery over their minds, bodies, and senses. The nine Durga Kavach lyrics affirm that Pratham Shailputri Dwitiya Brahmacharini, signifying that the first Devi form is Shailputri, and the second day of Navratri belongs to Devi Brahmacharini.

Maa Brahmacharini Iconographic Insights

In her left hand, Maa Brahmacharini holds a Kamandal (water pot), while a Japa mala (Rosary) graces her right hand. Her essence embodies love and unwavering loyalty. She governs the Planet Moon (Chandra).

Maa Brahmacharini is depicted as a dedicated female student residing in an Ashrama under the guidance of her Guru, along with other students. She adorns white attire (saree) and wears Rudraksha beads as ornaments. 

Maa Brahmacharini Ruling Planet

Maa Brahmacharini governs over the planet Mars, and it is believed that worshipping her with pure intentions can ward off any adverse effects associated with the Mars.

Maa Brahmacharini Chakra Association

Performing Maa Brahmacharini puja helps in balancing the Agya (Ajna), Mooladhara (Muladhara), and Sahashara (Sahasrara) Chakras. Chakras refer to the seven centers of spiritual energy within the human body. They are circular vortexes of energy located at seven different points along the spinal column, each associated with various organs and glands in the body. These chakras play a crucial role in the distribution of life energy.

Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini: A Step-by-Step Guide

Worshiping Maa Brahmacharini involves a series of rituals and offerings:

1. Begin your day by taking a bath at an auspicious time.
2. Perform the Kalashsthapana or Ghatasthapana ritual to mark the commencement of the second day of Navratri. For this, you will need a shallow clay utensil.
3. In the clay pan, create three layers of mud and sow Sapta Dhanya or Navadhanya seeds, including barley seeds. Ensure that the seeds receive enough moisture by sprinkling a little water.
4. Place a Kalasha (a holy water pot or urn) at the base of the clay pan. Fill the Kalasha with Ganga jal, Supari (betel nut), a few coins, Akshat (raw rice mixed with turmeric powder), and Durva grass.
5. Create a Swastik symbol with Red Kumkum on the exterior of the pot.
6. Arrange five Mango tree leaves around the neck of the Kalash, then cover the Kalash with a coconut wrapped in a red cloth, tied with a sacred red thread.
7. Place the Kalash in the center of the pan where the seeds are sown. Light an Akhand Jyoti (continuous burning ghee lamp) that will remain lit for the entire nine days of Navaratri.
8. The installation of the Kalash symbolizes prosperity, growth, abundance, and auspiciousness.
9. As you establish the Kalash, take a vow (Sankalp) to observe a strict fast for all nine days of Navaratri, seeking the blessings of Mata Brahmacharini to successfully complete the fast.
10. Make offerings to Devi Brahmacharini, including white flowers, lotus, Pista Barfi sweets, adornments like a red Chunri and bangles, Kumkum, Ghee lamp, incense, and camphor. Prepare Naivedyam as an offering.
11. After offering Naivedyam, present Paan (betel leaf) and Betel Nut according to the prescribed rituals.
12. Alongside these rituals, chant Maa Brahmacharini Mantras, perform Aarti, recite the Durga Saptasati path, and create an atmosphere filled with the loving energies of Brahmacharini Maa in your home.

Benefits of Observing Maa Brahmacharini Puja

Worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini, also known as Maa Brahmacharini, on the second day of Navratri bestows significant blessings from the Divine Mother. Invoking Brahmacharini Devi through dedicated prayers and Maa Brahmacharini Mantras brings forth numerous benefits:

1. Brahmacharini Maa instills strength, determination, and courage to face life's challenges and adversities head-on.
2. Worshiping Maa Brahmacharini brings inner calmness, solitude, and self-confidence.
3. Devotees under the guidance of Brahmacharini Devi remain steadfast and persevere in their duties, regardless of obstacles.
4. Mata Brahmacharini imparts knowledge and wisdom to her devotees, guiding them towards a path of enlightenment.
5. The puja dedicated to Devi Brahmacharini ensures victory for devotees in all circumstances.
6. Performing Brahmacharini Mata puja is highly effective in fostering love, peace, and harmony within the family.
7. Worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini helps devotees maintain mental balance in various situations and cultivates the virtue of patience.
8. Maa Brahmacharini's puja ensures the removal of obstacles, paving the way for success in all endeavors.
9. Devotees find that fears are eliminated from their lives through the worship of Brahmacharini Mata.
10. Overall, worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini brings divine blessings that empower individuals to lead a harmonious and victorious life.

Maa Brahmacharini Mantras

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
दधाना कर पद्माभ्याम अक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मई ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा।।
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥

Maa Brahmacharini Dhyan Mantra

वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
जपमाला कमण्डलु धरा ब्रह्मचारिणी शुभाम्॥
गौरवर्णा स्वाधिष्ठानस्थिता द्वितीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
धवल परिधाना ब्रह्मरूपा पुष्पालङ्कार भूषिताम्॥
परम वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोला पीन।
पयोधराम् कमनीया लावणयं स्मेरमुखी निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम्॥

Maa Brahmacharini Stotra

तपश्चारिणी त्वंहि तापत्रय निवारणीम्।
ब्रह्मरूपधरा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
शङ्करप्रिया त्वंहि भुक्ति-मुक्ति दायिनी।
शान्तिदा ज्ञानदा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Maa Brahmacharini Kavacha (Shield/Protection Mantra)

त्रिपुरा में हृदयम् पातु ललाटे पातु शङ्करभामिनी।
अर्पण सदापातु नेत्रो, अर्धरी च कपोलो॥
पञ्चदशी कण्ठे पातु मध्यदेशे पातु महेश्वरी॥
षोडशी सदापातु नाभो गृहो च पादयो।
अङ्ग प्रत्यङ्ग सतत पातु ब्रह्मचारिणी॥

Maa Brahmacharini Aarti (आरती)

जय अम्बे ब्रह्मचारिणी माता, जय चतुरानन प्रिय सुख दाता॥
ब्रह्मा जी के मन भाती हो, ज्ञान सभी को सिखलाती हो॥
ब्रह्म मन्त्र है जाप तुम्हारा, जिसको जपे सरल संसारा॥
जय गायत्री वेद की माता, जो जन जिस दिन तुम्हें ध्याता॥
कमी कोई रहने ना पाए, उसकी विरति रहे ठिकाने॥
जो तेरी महिमा को जाने, रद्रक्षा की माला ले कर॥
जपे जो मन्त्र श्रद्धा दे कर, आलस छोड़ करे गुणगाना॥
माँ तुम उसको सुख पहुँचाना, ब्रह्मचारिणी तेरो नाम॥
पूर्ण करो सब मेरे काम, भक्त तेरे चरणों का पुजारी॥
रखना लाज मेरी महतारी॥

Jai ambe Brahmacharini maata, Jai Chaturanan Priya sukh Data ॥
Brahma Ji ke man Bhati ho, Gyaan Sabhi ko sikhalati ho॥
brahm mantr hai jaap tumhaara. jisako jape saral sansaara॥
Jay Gayatri Ved Ki Mata, Jo jan jis din tumhen dhyaata॥
Kami Koi Rahane Na paye, Usaki Virati rahe Thikane॥
Jo Teri mahima ko Jane, Radraksha Ki Mala le kar॥
Jape Jo Mantra Shraddha de kar, Aalas chhod kare gunagaana॥
Maa tum usako sukh pahunchaana, Brahmacharini tero naam॥
Poorna karo sab mere kaam, bhakt tere charanon ka Pujari ॥
Rakhna Laaj Meri Mahtaari॥