Navratras: Ma Brahmacharini is Worshipped on the Second Navratra

Ma Brahmacharini

Ma Brahmacharini

The second Durga Shakti is Brahmacharini. A personification of loyalty, she is spreading the message of pristine love to the world. A trove of knowledge and wisdom, the rudraksha beads are Her most treasured ornaments. Brahma means one who observes penance or tapa and is endowed with virtuous conduct. The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is a rosary in her right hand and a kumbha or water pot in the left one. She is awash with merriment.

Sage Narada

A tale is famed about her. In her previous birth she was Parvati or Hemvati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy frolicking with her friends, Naradaji came and predicted on seeing her palm, "You will get married to a naked-terrible Bhole Baba who was with when you were Sati, the daughter of Daksha, in your previous birth. But now you have to perform penance to attain him."

Lord Shambu with Sati, His Consort

Thereupon Parvati insisted and told her mother Menaka that she would marry none other than Shambhu, or remain unwed. Saying this she did austere penance. Ever since she is famed as tapacharini or Brahmacharini and since then her name Uma became renowned the world over.