Maa Brahmacharini | The Goddess Worshipped On Day 2 Of Navaratri

Hindus worship numerous Gods and Goddesses. Durga/Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati are the chief among these Goddesses. All three of them are worshipped in various forms during the nine days of Navaratri. While Durga and her different forms are worshipped during the first three days of the festival, the next three days are dedicated to Maa Lakshmi. Maa Saraswathi, who is the Goddess of learning and wisdom, is worshipped on the last three days of Navaratri.

On the first day of Navaratri, Durga is worshipped as Maa Shailputri (the daughter of the mountains). On the second day, she is worshipped as Maa Brahmacharini. Brahmacharini means one who practices penance. Devotees who worship Durga as Brahmacharini are assured of success in all of their endeavors. Maa Brahmacharini wears white and holds a rosary in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left hand. She is Goddess Parvati in her unwedded form. Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, was the daughter of Himavan. An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, she wanted him for her husband. To win his love, she observed penance for thousands of years first surviving on fruits and flowers, then on leaves and finally on just water. Eventually, she stopped drinking the water too. This form of Parvati is worshipped as Brahmacharini. Her resolve pleased Shiva and they finally got married. Maa Brahmacharini is a symbol of penance, perseverance and fortitude. Her devotees are blessed with peace, success and prosperity.