The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Brahmacharini Mata who personifies love and loyalty. In this form, she looks highly pious and peaceful, and appears with kamadal (sacred water pot) in the left hand and rudraksh (rosary) in the right hand. This form of Durga is related to severe penance undertaken by Parvati and Sati in their respective births to attain Lord Shiva as their husbands.
By worshipping Brahmcharini, you can inculcate in yourself penance, renounce, dispassion, restraint, and ethical conduct. Even in the most critical condition, your mind will remain unshaken and you will not deviate from the path of your duty with her blessing.
She is considered the devi of Swadhisthana Chakra. If you concentrate your mind on Swadhisthana Chakra, you will get the devotion and blessing of Maa Brahmcharini.
She is considered the store house of knowledge and wisdom. You can please her by the chanting of following mantra:
"Om Doom Durgaya Namah"
The chanting of mantra will empower your throat chakra, rectify negative thoughts, help you to do more librating super karmas, and attract forgiveness for your negative karmas. On this day, whatever you will say aloud will multiply for the next six months. Hence, be careful while saying something.
Brief Legend
When goddess Durga was as the daughter of Himavan, the king of mountains she was called, Parvati Hemavati. One day, she was playing with her friends, Naradji arrived to meet her. While talking to her, he wished to see her palm to predict her future; for which she readily agreed. Naradji said, "You will get married to a naked-terrible ‘Bhole baba’ who was with you in your previous birth, when you were Sati, the daughter of Daksha. But, in this life, you have to do severe penance to get Him. Otherwise, you will remain unmarried whole of your life.” When Parvati went home, she told her mother Menka that she would marry none other than Bhole baba; whatever she has to do to get Him, she will do, or she will remain unmarried whole of her life. After that conversation, she went to observe penance to please Lord Shiva. She observed penance for thousands of years braving scorching heat of the sun and torrential rains. Dedication and devotion of Brahmacharini attracted Lord Shiva’s attention. He got pleased with her and accepted her as His consort. This incarnation is also known as Uma.
2ndday Navratri: Customs and Traditions
Navratri Pooja is very simple. You should observe fast whole day or have fruits or juice in day and eat pure vegetarian food in night. If no way fasting is possible, simply chant the following mantra as much as you can:
"Om Ang Haring Kalimg Shreeng Maha Durgay Namah”
During Navratri, you should be careful about your aahar (food), vyavhar (behavior), and aacharan (character); eat pure vegetarian food, like fruits, Kuttu ka aataa, Shinghare ka aataa, curd or potatoes - strictly avoid non-vegetarian food. Consumption of garlic and onion is also not recommended. Navratri is celebrated in the honour of female form of God. Hence, during these days, you should also worship only goddesses with spiritual emotion (bhaav).
White and baby pink colour is associated with Maa Brahmcharini. Try wearing pink and white colour dresses on this day to please her.
You should offer two apples and a deep to Mata Brahmcharini in the morning and evening after sunset, and, then, accept and share these apples with others in the evening. Emotionally offering all the fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, clothing, and kheer made with lotus seeds (phul makhana) will bring glory to you.
Maa Brahmcharini Pooja Vidhi with Mantras
Pooja items
- Picture or image of Maa Brahmcharini
- Durga Sapthashati book, Devi’s armour
- Water in a kalash, mango leaves, coconut
- Roli, moli, chawal, paan, beetle nut.
- Cloves, cardamom, sindoor, abhir, gulal
- Dhoop, deepak, matchsticks
- Flowers white or pink, such as hibiscus, lotus, roses and belpatr leaves
- Fruits of five types such as pomegranate and sweets such as laddoo and peda
- Panchpatra containing spoon and water, pata, mat to sit (Aasan)
Panchamrit- making Vidhi
Take a little raw cow milk and mix small amount of curd, shakkar, honey, and ghee in it.
Wash the place of pooja with water and gangajal. Place some grains of wheat on a beetle leaf, put on the ground and place water-filled on kalash on it. Insert five joined mango leaves in the kalash and, then, place a coconut on it. Tie moli in the kalash-neck. Light up a Deepak there and keep it lit till the pooja lasts. Light up some dhoop too there.
Place Maa Brahmcharini on a beetle leaf in front of you. Concentrate your mind on Maa Brahmcharini with the following mantra:
Dadhanakara Padmabhyam akshamala kamandalam!
Devi prasidathu mayi brahmacharinya nuththama!!
Now, worship her step by step chanting the following mantras:
1. Atma-pooja
Perform ‘Atma-pooja’ for self-purification with the following mantra
Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gatoapi Va,
Yah Smrait Pundarika Aksham Sa Vahy Abhyantarah Shuchih
Meaning: whoever contemplates on Vishnu gets purified physically and mentally.
2. Tilak and Aachman
Tilak is considered auspicious mark and Aachman is considered helping washing off sins committed by action, thought, and speech.
Apply Tilak on your forehead and do ‘Aachman’ (drinking of holy water after accepting it in your palm) with the following mantra:
Om Keshavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah, Om Govindaya Namah
Meaning: I bow to thee Keshav, I bow to thee Narayan, I bow to thee Madhav, I bow to thee Govind.
3. Sankalpa
To achieve the purpose of the pooja, do sankalpa (resolve) by taking a little water in hand and saying your wish in mind to Maa Brahmcharini.
4. Aawahan
Pray to invite Maa Brahmcharini with the following mantra:
Aagachha Tvam Mahadevi ! Sthane Chatra Sthira Bhav. Yavata Pujaam Karisyami Tavata Tvam Snidho Bhav.
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha. shailaputri devimaawahayami. Aawahanartheye Pushpaanjali Samarpayami.
(Offer flowers at the feet of Maa Brahmcharini)
5. Aasan
After Dhyan and Mantras, Pray and offer:
Om sarvmangal mangaleye shivesarvaarth sadhike, Sharneye Traymbake gauri Narayani Namostute.
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha. Aasanarthey Pushpani Samarpayami.
(Offer flowers)
6. Paadha
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha. Padayoh Paadham Samarpayami.
(Offer water to Mother’s Shri Charan)
7. Arghya
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha. Hastyoh Arghya Samarpayami.
(Offer Chandan,Pushpa and Akshat mixed water)
8. Aachman
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha. Aachamanam Samarpayami.
(Offer Karpoor mixed water)
9. Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Snanartham Jalam Samarpayami.
(Offer GangaJal for Bath)
Snananga Aachaman Snanantey Punrachamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami.
(Offer water for aachman)
10. Dugdha Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha DugdhaSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer Cow-milk for Bath)
11. Dadhi Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha DadhiSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer curd made from cow milk for bath)
12. Ghrit Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha GhritSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer Gou-Ghee for Bath)
13. Madhu Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha MadhuSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer Honey for Bath)
14. Sharkara Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha SharkaraSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer sugar for Bath)
15. Panchaamrit Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha PanchaamritSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer Panchaamrit for Bath)
16. Gandhodak Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha GandhodakSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer MalayaChandan and Agaru mixed water for Bath)
17. Shudhodak Snan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha ShudhodakSnanam Samarpayami.
(Offer holy water for final bath)
18. Aachman
ShudhodakSnanante Aachamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami.
(Offer water for Aachaman)
19. Vastra
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Vastropavastram Kanchukiyam ch Samarpayami.
(Offer saree or moli)
20. Aachman: Vastranante Aachamaniym jalam Samarpayami
21. Shobhagya Sutra
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha ShobhagyaSutram Samarpayami.
22. Chandan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Chandanam Samarpayami.
23. Haridrachurna
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Haridraam Samarpayami.
24. Kumkum
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Kumkumam Samarpayami.
25. Sindoor
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Sindooram Samarpayami.
26. Kajal
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Kajjalm Samarpayami.
27. Durvankur (Durva)
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Durvankuraan Samarpayami.
28. BilvaPatra
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha BilvaPatram Samarpayami.
29. Abhushan
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Abhushnaani Samarpayami.
30. Pushpamala
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Pushpamalam Samarpayami.
31. Nanaparimaldraviya (dravya or paisa)
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha NanaparimalDraviyaani Samarpayami.
32. Shobhagya Patika
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Shobhagyapatikam Samarpayami.
33. Dhoop
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Dhoopmaaghrapayami.
34. Deep
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Deepam Darshyami.
(Show deep to mother and wash your hand)
35. Naibaidha
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Naibaidham Nivedyami.
Aachman: offer aachaman
36. Rituphal
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Rituphalani Samarpayami.
37. Tammbul (paan)
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Tammbulam Samarpayami.
38. Dakshina
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Dakshinaam Samarpayami.
39. Aarti(karpoor and bati)
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Karpooraratirkyam Samarpayami.
Maa Brahmcharini / Uma ki aarti
(With meaning in English)
Jai ambe Gowrii maiyaa, Jai shyaamaa Gowrii
Nishadina tumako dhyaavata, Hari brahma shivjii,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 1
(Meaning: Victory to mother Gowri, Victory to the dark colured Gowri, Who is being daily meditated by, Vishnu, Brahma and Lord Shiva, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Maang sinduur viraajat, Tiko mriga madako
Ujjvalase do nainaa, Chandravadaniko
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 2
(Meaning: With Vermillion in your parting of hair, Made with musk from the deer, You have two shining eyes, In your moon like face, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Kanaka samaan kalevar, Raktaambar raaje,
Raktapushpa galamaalaa, Kantan par saaje,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 3
(Meaning: With the golden body colour, Wearing blood red silks, your neck are decorated by a necklace and, A garland of blood red colour flowers, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Kehari vaahana raajata, Khadaga khappara dhaari,
Sura nara muni jana sevata, Tinake dukha haari,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 4
(Meaning: You ride on the splendid lion, And hold a sword and a skull in your hands, And are served by Devas, men and sages, Whose sorrows, you drive away, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Kaanana kundala shobhit, Naasaagre motii
Kotika chandra divaakara, Sam raajata jyotii,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 5
(Meaning: You shine with ear studs on your ears, And a pearl on the tip of your nose, And shine like billions of suns and moons, And create a great halo of radiance, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Shumbha nishumbha vidaare, Mahishaasura ghaatii
Dhuumra vilochana nainaa, Nishidina madamaatii
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 6
(Meaning: Oh killer of Shumbha and Nishmbha, Oh slayer of Mahishasura, Your eyes are dark with rage, On killing of Dhoomralochana, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Chanda Munda Sanhare Sonith Bheeja Hare,
Madhu Kaidabha dou Maare, Sur Bhayaheen kare,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 7
(Meaning: Oh killer of Chanda and Munda, Oh killer of Raktha Bheeja, You killed the twins Madu and Kaidaba, And drove away the fear of devas, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Brahmaanii rudraanii, Tuma kamalaa raani
Aagama-nigama bakhaanii, Tuma shiva pataraani,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 8
(Meaning: You are Brahmani and Rudrani, You are Goddess Lakshmi living on a lotus, You are praised by Vedas and Shastras, And you are the queen of Lord Shiva, Say victory to mother Gowri.
Chausatha yoginii gaavat, Nritya karata bhairon,
Baajata taala mridanga, Aura baajata damaruu,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 9
(Meaning: Sixty four Yoginis are singing, Lord Bhairava is dancing, The mrudanga is playing, And also the big drum is playing, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Tuma ho jaga kii maataa, Tuma hii ho bhartaa,
Bhaktan ki dukha hartaa, Sukha sampati kartaa,
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 10
(Meaning: You are the mother of universe, And you are the one takes care of it, You put an end to the sorrow of devotees, And you are the one who gives pleasure and wealth, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Bhujaa chaara ati shobhita, Vara mudraa dhaarii
Mana vaanchita phala paavat, Sevata nara naarii
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 11
(Meaning: You have four glowing hands, With one hand raised in blessing, You fulfill all the desires of the mind, Of those men and woman who do your service, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Kanchana thaala viraajata, Agaru kapuura baatii
Mala ketu mein raajat, Kotiratana jyotii
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 12
(Meaning: In the decorated plate which shines, Are kept incenses like Camphor and agarbathis, When they are lit and placed before you, They shine like billions of gems, Say victory to mother Gowri.)
Maa ambe ki Aarthi jo koi nar Gave,
Kahat Shivananda swami, sukha sampati pave.
Bolo Jai Ambe Gowri. 13
(Meaning: Shivananda Swami tells you, That the man who sings this offering to mother, Would get all pleasures and wealth. Say victory to mother Gowri.)
40. Pradikshna (parikarma)
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Pradikshnaanm Samarpayami.
41. Mantrapushpanjali
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Mantrapushpanjalim Samarpayami
42. Namaskar
Ya devi sarva bhutesu,
shanti rupena sansitha
Ya devi sarva bhutesu, shakti rupena sansthita
Ya devi sarva bhutesu, matra rupena sansthita
Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namo namaha !
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha Namaskaraan Samarpayami.
43. Kshma Yachna
Aawahanam Na Jaanami Na jaanami Tav archanam, Pujaam ch na jaanami Kshamattam Parameshwari.
Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Sureshwari, Yattpujitam Maya Devi Paripuranm Tadastu me.
Shri Jagadambaye Brahmcharini Devye Namha KshamaYachanam Samarpayami
44. Arpna
Aum Tattsad Brahmarpanmastu,
Vishnave Namh, Vishnave Namh, Vishnave Namh.
!! OM Bhramcharni Maiya Rakhsa Karo !!
!! OM Bhavatarani Devi Rakhsa Karo !!
!! OM Nav Durga Namah !!
!! OM Jag-Jana-ni Namah !!