Goddess Brahmacharini: The Symbol of Penance and Devotion
Introduction
Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the second day of Navratri. She symbolizes penance, devotion, and determination. The name “Brahmacharini” is derived from “Brahma,” meaning supreme knowledge, and “Charini,” meaning one who walks or follows. This form of the Goddess represents the pursuit of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
Origin of Goddess Brahmacharini & Navratri Worship
After the Kushmanda form, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati. In this incarnation, she was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and performed severe penance to attain him as her husband. Due to her unwavering austerity, she became known as Brahmacharini, which means one who follows the path of Brahma (penance and celibacy).
Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. Devotees pray to her for wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Worshiping her brings strength and determination to overcome life’s challenges.
It is believed that Goddess Brahmacharini governs Lord Mangal (Mars), who is responsible for fortune, strength, and discipline in a devotee’s life. Worshiping her helps reduce the malefic effects of Mars in a person’s astrological chart.
Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as walking barefoot, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to asceticism. She has two hands, holding a jap mala (rosary) in her right hand and a kamandal (water pot) in her left hand. Her serene and composed face reflects deep meditation and spirituality.
Penance and Austerity
Goddess Brahmacharini performed severe penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. Her austerity included:
- 1,000 years of penance by consuming only fruits and flowers.
- 100 years of subsisting on leafy vegetables while sleeping on the floor.
- Standing in harsh weather conditions (scorching summers, freezing winters, and heavy rains) while fasting.
- Surviving only on Bilva leaves for 3,000 years while meditating on Lord Shiva.
- Eventually, she stopped eating and drinking completely, earning the name Aparna (one who does not eat even leaves).
Her immense devotion moved Lord Shiva, and he accepted her as his consort. However, due to her father Daksha’s disdain for Lord Shiva, she immolated herself, wishing to be reborn in a family that would respect her husband.
Favorite Flower
The favorite flower of Goddess Brahmacharini is Jasmine (चमेली), which represents purity and devotion.
Mantras and Hymns
Shri Brahmacharini Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः। Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah.
Prarthana (Prayer)
दधाना कर पद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू। देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu। Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama॥
Brahmacharini Stuti (Praise)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Brahmacharini Dhyanam
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॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Japamala Kamandalu Dhara Brahmacharini Shubham॥
Gauravarna Swadhishthanasthita Dwitiya Durga Trinetram।
Dhawala Paridhana Brahmarupa Pushpalankara Bhushitam॥
Parama Vandana Pallavaradharam Kanta Kapola Pina।
Payodharam Kamaniya Lavanayam Smeramukhi Nimnanabhi Nitambanim॥
Brahmacharini Stotram
तपश्चारिणी त्वंहि तापत्रय निवारणीम्।
ब्रह्मरूपधरा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
शङ्करप्रिया त्वंहि भुक्ति-मुक्ति दायिनी।
शान्तिदा ज्ञानदा ब्रह्मचारिणी प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Tapashcharini Tvamhi Tapatraya Nivaranim।
Brahmarupadhara Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham॥
Shankarapriya Tvamhi Bhukti-Mukti Dayini।
Shantida Jnanada Brahmacharini Pranamamyaham॥
Kavacham (Protective Shield Hymn)
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।
Tripura Mein Hridayam Patu Lalate Patu Shankarabhamini।
Arpana Sadapatu Netro, Ardhari Cha Kapolo॥
Panchadashi Kanthe Patu Madhyadeshe Patu Maheshwari॥
Shodashi Sadapatu Nabho Griho Cha Padayo।
Anga Pratyanga Satata Patu Brahmacharini।
Aarti (Devotional Hymn)
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 पाये। कोई भी दुःख सहने न पाये॥
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॥
Significance of Worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini
Worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini brings the following benefits:
- Spiritual wisdom and enlightenment
- Strength and courage to endure hardships
- Determination and discipline in life
- Removes obstacles and negativity
- Brings inner peace and stability
Conclusion
Goddess Brahmacharini represents unwavering determination, devotion, and self-discipline. She teaches us the importance of perseverance and faith in our spiritual and personal journeys. Her blessings lead to wisdom, knowledge, and success, making her an integral deity in Navratri celebrations.
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