Chaitra Navratri, observed by the Hindu community, spans nine days and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Each day of the festival corresponds to one of the nine avatars of the Goddess. These forms are:
- Shailputri
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skandamata
- Katyayani
- Kaalratri
- Mahagauri
- Siddhidatri
This year, Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9th and concludes on April 17th.
Day 2: Worshiping Maa Brahmacharini
On the second day of Navratri (Dwitiya Tithi), we honor Goddess Brahmacharini. Let’s explore the key aspects of her worship:
Puja Timing
- Amrit Kaal: You can perform the puja from 6:27 AM to 7:52 AM.
- Shubh Kaal: Worship Devi Durga from 09:19 AM to 10:44 AM.
Who Is Maa Brahmacharini?
- Maa Brahmacharini is one of the unmarried forms of Maa Durga.
- She holds a Kamandal (water pot) and a Japa mala (prayer beads) in her left and right hands, respectively.
- Dressed in a white saree, she appeared in this avatar to perform intense penance (Tapasya) to please Lord Shiva and win his attention for marriage.
- Interestingly, this form of the Goddess governs Mangal (Mars), the planet associated with good fortune. Devotees seek her blessings to mitigate the ill effects of Mangal in their natal charts.
Favorite Flower
- On the second day of Navratri, offer the white Chrysanthemum flower to Goddess Brahmacharini.
- This flower symbolizes purity and peacefulness, reflecting her disciplined and patient nature.
Auspicious Color
- Royal blue resonates with Goddess Brahmacharini’s celestial aura.
- Wear this color on Wednesday to participate in Navratri festivities with style and grace.
- Royal blue represents contentment and prosperity.
Bhog (Offerings)
- Goddess Brahmacharini appreciates simple food and offerings.
- Devotees serve a Bhog of sugar and fruits to her, which is believed to increase the longevity of family members.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Ritual)
- Purify Yourself: Begin by purifying yourself with a bath and wearing clean clothes.
- Altar Setup: Set up the altar or the place of worship. Place the idol or picture of Maa Brahmacharini on it.
- Light the Lamp and Incense: Light the oil lamp and the incense sticks.
- Ring the Bell: Ring the bell to signify the beginning of the puja.
- Sprinkle Water: Sprinkle water on the idol as a mark of purification.
- Offer Fresh Flowers: Offer fresh flowers to the Goddess.
Maa Brahmacharini, the embodiment of penance and austerity, bestows spiritual knowledge and power upon her devotees. Her serene and graceful form inspires us to seek inner strength and wisdom during these auspicious Navratri days.