Introduction
Goddess Brahmacharini is the 'Shakti', we worship on the 2nd day of Navratri. In the previous article 'Goddess Shailaputri: worshiping whom on the 1st day of Navratri can bring stability', you get to know that Goddess Shailaputrin can bring stability in your life. While Maa Brahmacharini can provide you with peace and spiritual heights in life.
In the below article, we will discuss everything about the goddess- who is she?, her Depiction, details of various iconographies, and many other things.
Who is Goddess Brahmacharini?
Goddess Brahmacharini is that form of Goddess Parvati who applies Brahmacharya in her behavior. According to the tales, Mother Parvati does Tapas in penance for over a thousand years to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. During her Tapas, she followed Brahmacharya in her behavior and survived only on leaves and water. Finally, the fruitful result came to her and Lord Shiva agreed to marry her.
Breaking out the Message Behind the Name- Brahmacharini
The name, Brahmacharini, comes from a combination of two words - 'Brahma' and 'Charini'. Where Brahma means the source of ultimate knowledge, Charini is the feminine version of Charya means applying in behavior.
Therefore, Brahmacharya becomes the masculine version directing us to follow the path of Brahma by being celibate. And, Brahmacharini is the feminine version of Brahmacharya referring to the same characteristics.
Goddess Brahmacharini Depiction
Her Depiction includes lotus decorated white cloth, Kamandalam, and Japamala. She wears white cloth decorated with Red Lotus and walks barefoot. She holds Kamandalam in her left hand and Japamala in her right hand.
Image: Goddess Brahmacharini
The Significance of Various Iconographies of Goddess Brahmacharini
Kamandalam
Maa Brahmacharini holds Kamandalam in her left hand which is a water pot made of Clay or Brass. The material, Clay and Brass, in itself has special significance and symbolizes 'Prosperity'. Similarly, Kamandalu represents the life-giving energy that the goddess provides to the Universe.
It is associated with asceticism in Hinduism. This is the reason for its use by monks, saints, sages, rishis, and Tapaswis. Moreover, it is believed that the power and energies of Rishis are stored in the water of Kamandalam and hence the water is considered as pure as Amrit.
Image: Kamandalam
Japamala
Goddess Brahmacharini holds Japamala in her right hand which is a loop of 108 beads mainly used for Japa and Meditation. During Japa, each bead is counted after chanting Mantras, and this way, it helps in focusing on the Mantra instead of counting the repetition of Mantras.
In Hinduism, The number '108' is considered to be very auspicious. This is the reason why Japamala consists of 108 beads only. Japamala is believed to be blessed if it is obtained by the institutions, Temples, Saints and, Rishis.
Image: Japamala
White Cloth
Goddess Brahmacharini wears a Lotus decorated White Cloth which is a symbol of Purity and Devotion. It gives us the message to move forward in the spiritual path by adopting the characteristics of White.
The unique characteristics of this color represent detachment by being attached. The colors are all-inclusive and mix with each other very well at the same time it reflects all the other colors and doesn't keep anyone. In simple words, the color gives us the message to enjoy every aspect of life without associating or gathering life around us.
Barefoot
Maa Brahmacharini walks barefoot which represents sacrifice and austerity. Walking barefoot on the ground connects us with the Earth and helps integrate the body and soul. The Earthly connection of our body helps in reducing stress and anxiety levels. This is the reason for doing Shastang Pranam. During the Shastang Pranam, our whole body gets in touch with the Earth which makes us feel relaxed.
Image: Prime Minister Modi Doing Shastang Dandavat Pranam before Ramlala at Ayodhya (Image Source: ANI)
Lotus
The lotus is an auspicious flower that is a favorite of many deities. Read more about the significance of the flower in our article about 'Goddess Shailaputri'.
Temples Dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini
The temple of Goddess Brahmacharini is located in Varanasi (the religious capital of India).
Maa Brahmacharini Devi Durga Mandir, Varanasi
Maa Brahmacharini Devi Durga Mandir at Varanasi is situated at Panchganga Ghat, Ghasi Tola, near the bank of the holy Ganga.
Image: Idol of Mother Brahmacharini at Varanasi Temple
Why Should You Worship Goddess Brahmacharini?
In the previous article, we get to know that worshipping Goddess Shailaputri can provide strength and stability in our lives. In the same way, worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini on the 2nd Day of Navratri can provide wisdom and peace to you.
Important Highlights
(a) Goddess Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati.
(b) She wears white clothes and walks barefoot.
(c) The Temple of Maa Brahmacharini is situated in Varanasi.
Conclusion
The personification of Mother Brahmacharini is more than just a worshipping idol. Her depiction and iconographies give us lessons to set spiritual discipline in our lives for self-enlightenment and inner bliss. By doing this we can bring happiness to our life and remain peaceful.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Goddess Brahmacharini?
Ans. Goddess Brahmacharini is one of the incarnations of Navdurga. She is the unmarried form of Maa Parvati who performs Tapas to please Lord Shiva and to marry him.
Q2. What is the favorite color of Goddess Brahmacharini?
Ans. Because the white color is the symbol of purity and devotion, It is the favorite color of Maa Brhamacharini.
Q3. What are the benefits of worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini?
Ans. Goddess Brahmacharini gives us lessons to set up spiritual discipline in our life. Worshipping her can provide spiritual heights and peace to you. Moreover, if you worship her, you can experience joy and self-enlightenment in your life.
