Navratri Day 2: Embrace Inner Peace with Maa Brahmacharini’s Blessings

The second day of Navratri is devoted to Maa Brahmacharini,  the second manifestation of Maa Durga. Clad in white clothes, she holds a japa mala and a kamandal in her hands. As her name suggests, she symbolises asceticism (brahmacharya). Worshipping her on this day is believed to bring peace, contentment, and the strength to withstand life's obstacles. 

Significance of Navratri day 2

Goddess Brahmacharini is the second among the nine avatars of Maa Durga. She is considered as epitome of peace, strength, self-control, knowledge, austerity, penance, devotion and confidence to face challenges. Devotees who worship her on the second day of Navratri are blessed with these qualities, which contribute to their overall well-being.

According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Parvati did severe penance and followed brahmacharya, depending only on leaves and fruits. Her unwavering willpower resulted in her union with Shiva.

Day 2 Navratri rituals for peace and devotion

Now below are the rules you need to follow when worshipping the goddess.

• Take early morning bath and wear fresh clothes
• Observe fasting, consume only fruits and milk
• Maintain cleanliness during puja ritual
• Bath the idol of goddess with panchamrit, ghee, curd, milk, honey, and sugar
• While worshipping Maa Brahmacharini, chant her beej mantra, ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम:||
• After seeking blessings of the goddess, distribute the prasad amongst your family members and neighbours.

What to offer to Maa Brahmacharini

• Offer her flowers, akshat, roli, kumkum, and sindoor
• Garland the divine mother with flowers using jasmine and lotus
• Mix ghee and camphor to perform the aarti
• After this, worship the kalash devta and then Navgrahas

Why is white color worn on second day

During Navratri, devotees are supposed to wear the specific colours associated with the forms of goddess Durga. The second day of this auspicious festival is white, representing the ascetic nature of the goddess. The color  reflects emotional stability, spiritual depth, devotion, and clarity.

Participate in Garba dance

During Navratri, devotees perform garba and dandiya dances enhancing the festive mood. Clad in traditional white attire, men and women celebrate the event by performing dandiya around the idol of the goddess. You are encouraged to take part in it.

Going eco-friendly way

Make your puja eco-friendly by disposing of the remains in an appropriate manner. For example, leaves can be composted in the garden or buried in the soil. The remaining puja water from the kalash can be poured onto the roots of the household plants. 

After concluding the puja, the leftover prasad can be distributed to animals and birds. Plastic bags should be avoided when disposing of puja waste; instead, biodegradable alternatives should be brought in use.

*This article is based on the facts described in religious texts and scriptures. Our aim is not to hurt any religion or belief, but simply to share cultural and religious knowledge.