Maa Brahmacharini is the second form of the Divine Mother Goddess Durga, also known as Parvati or Shakti, in Sanatana Tradition. She is worshipped on the second day of the nine-day Navaratri festival, which is celebrated twice a year. Brahmacharini means “one who practices devout austerity,” as She is depicted as a female ascetic who carries a japa mala or prayer beads in one hand and a kamandalu or water pot in the other.
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Brahmacharini is the second form of the Divine Mother Goddess Durga. In Her previous life, She was Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, who immolated Herself in the sacrificial fire after Her father, King Daksha, insulted her husband. In her next life, Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas (Shailaputri), and performed intense penance to attain Lord Shiva as Her husband. During Her penance, She gave up all worldly pleasures and focused solely on Her goal, embodying the traits of self-control and detachment.
Maa Brahmacharini represents the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness. She is believed to have undertaken severe penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her consort. Her form as an ascetic symbolizes the power of renunciation and detachment, as well as the dedication and discipline required to achieve spiritual goals.
Maa Brahmacharini is also associated with the Swadhisthana chakra or the sacral chakra, which represents creativity and sensuality in human life. Worshipping Her is said to activate this chakra and bring balance and harmony to one’s emotions and relationships.
