Mata Brahmacharini: 2nd Day Navratri

Brahmacharini (Sanskrit: ???????????? ) means a devoted female student who lives in an Ashrama with her Guru along with other students. It is also the name of the second aspect of Goddess Durga or Parvati. Devi Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. She is depicted as walking bare feet, carrying a Japa Mala (rosary) in her right hand and a Kamandalu in her left hand respectively.

Legend: As per the mythology, Goddess Parvati had this desire to marry Lord Shiva. When her parents got to know about this, they tried to discourage her. However, it didn't work and she approached Lord Kama, the God of erotic activities and attraction, to help her. In this pursuit, Kama shot an arrow of pleasure and desire into Shiva. Being in meditative state, Shiva got disturbed and really angry. So, he burnt him into ashes.

The story didn't end here. She, then, started living the way Shiva does. The Goddess went to mountains and lived the life of an ascetic for many years. Hence, she got the name Brahmacharini. Due to this, she drew the attention of Lord Shiva. So, he went to her in disguise and told all the negative traits of Shiva. But, the Goddess paid no heed to such things rather she resisted to hear all that. Shiva finally accepted her and they got married.

Astrological Aspect: Goddess Brahmacharini governs the planet Mars in astrology. Worshiping her can eliminate all the bad effects of Mars. The present-day standard of what constitutes ‘normal’ is pretty low. So, it is not possible for a Brahmachari to be normal. He/she will always be extraordinary. The word Brahmachari is defined as: Brahmani charati iti Brahmachari meaning, one who revels in Brahman is a Brahmachari. By definition, a Brahmachari is someone who engages himself/herself in knowing Brahman. Brahman (not to be confused with the caste Brahmin) is the sum & substance of existence. It is the real eternal thing. In a sense, it is the only substance that exists. All of us are made up of Brahman.

Now, a Brahmachari engages in understanding the Brahman. For that he has to study the scriptures, he has to discuss them with his Guru. He has to practice the methods of self-realization that are given in the scriptures. In order to do all that he needs great discipline. Without a controlled mind it is not even possible to attain mundane success, what to speak about spiritual perfection. Hence, a Brahmachari automatically goes ahead of normal masses in terms of sense control, discipline & will power.

However, if you wish to know that whether a Brahmachari can become very socially acceptable then I'd question the intent of the same. Why should a Brahmachari become a 'people pleaser'? In fact, why should anyone let their life be dictated by social norms & acceptance? The greatest personalities in all the eras were always deviants & unique personalities. They never conformed to social norms without questioning them. So, it is pretty obvious that a Brahmachari, who is on the greatest quest, will not always be accepted by all. And it is all-right to be rejected.

In reality, a Brahmachari should be very bold. A Brahmachari should never compromise with the Truth. He should be hard like a thunderbolt for cheaters & soft like a rose for sincere seekers. He should understand that his duty as a Brahmachari is not only to study the scriptures but also spread the same teachings among the masses. This way, he'll surely advance in spiritual journey because he'll be doing his prescribed duty, as per daiva-varnashram (divine system of varna & ashram). Jay Mata Brahmacharini