Brahmacharini -The second incarnation of Navadurgas
How she incarnated?
She is the second incarnation of Deity Parvati and one of the Navadurgas being worshipped on the second day of Dasara Navaratri. The initial incarnation of Sati Devi also regarded as Goddess Parvati self immolated and incarnated as Shailaputri Devi, the first Navadurga.
In her incarnation, Lord Rudra leaves his Tapovan Gangavatarana, where she used to do Pada Puja to him. Deeply depressed with him, she became dispassionate of her life.
One day Maharshi Narada visited the kingdom of Himavantha, father of Shailaputri. Seeing her situation, the king requested him for solution. Maharshi advised her to perform tapa and communicated “OM Namah Shivaya”, a powerful mantra which pleases Lord Rudra to the fullest. She was extremely delighted with the advice. She also said that she had a dream of a Yatiswara advising her to do tapa for getting married to Lord Rudra.
She put a proposal at her parents to leave home for doing tapa. Her mother refused her proposal, but later convinced partially with shailaputri’s determination and explanation about doing tapa to please Lord Rudra. She left Pravritti- the material life and took up Nivritti -the dispassionate life. This resulted in the incarnation of Brahmacharani, so Shailaputri to perform tapa took the incarnation of Brahmacharini.
How did Brahmacharini perform tapas?
She went to Gangavatarana, the Lord Rudra’s tapovan, constructed a Parnashala named “Gouri Shikara” and deeply engrossed in tapa chanting “OM Namah Shivaya” mantra. She lived a dispassionate life by having food for few days, followed by fruits, leaves (by which she is regarded as “Aparna”), water and air. But this rigorous tapas did not please Lord Rudra.
After a few days, her parents visited Gouri Shikharam. Seeing her situation, they asked her to come with them. She refused and promised them to come along with Lord Rudra and engrossed in tapa again. This time the fire was blowing from her body, which spread like a wildfire across the universe. All deities were turned black. Worried about this situation, they went to Lord Brahma, who went to Lord Vishnu along with them and explained the situation. They went to Kailasa and asked Nandi for darshan of Lord Rudra. Nandi advised them to praise Lord Rudra, and they did the same.
How did Brahmacharini Devi win Lord Rudra?
Lord Rudra was pleased and gave them his darshan and asked about their arrival. They explained the penance of Brahmacharini Devi. Lord Rudra listened to their talks and sent Saptarishis to test her devotion towards HIM.
Obeying His orders, Saptarishis went to her ashram and started criticising Lord Rudra infront of her. Furious with their words, she argued with them and sacked them out. Saptarishis told her the reason for their arrival, apologized, fell on her feet, and confirmed her marriage is a preordained and certain to happen.
Even after this incident, Lord Rudra was not contented and now approached her as Yatiswara in disguise. He abused Lord Rudra but received a strong contention from other side. Pleased by her devotion, he appeared in his original identity, and extended his hand, confirming his marriage with her. This is regarded as “Panigrahanam” and is followed till date.
She stopped her tapa and put on a condition of approaching her parents and convincing them to marry her. Rudra accepted her conditional proposal. This is the story of Brahmacharini incarnation.
How Goddess Brahmacharini Devi looks like?
She wears white clothes, walks with bare feet. She holds Kamandalu (a ritual water pot) on her left hand and akshamala in her right hand.
How to worship Goddess Brahmacharini Devi ?
She is worshipped on the second day of Devi Navaratri. As Siddhagurus worship is the only authentication for any deity worship, Siddhaguru Ramanananda Maharshi performed havan and shodasha puja for this deity.
Twelve Mantras to chant Goddess Brahmacharini Devi
- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhi Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah - Aparna Brahmacharini Japamala Sushobhita
Siddidha Balada Shreshta Tapaswini Yasaswini - Om Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Mahatapasvinyai Sri Brahmacharini devyai Namah
- Om Sthira Sankalpa swaroopinyai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Druda Nishchaya swaroopinyai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Mahadivya Swarupinyai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Sarva Devata stuta Parashakti Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Sri Maharudra santushti dayinyai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Om Sarva Rishi stuta Jagadambayai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Dhyana Dhurandhrayai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Nitya Vijaya Rupinyai Nitya Vijaya Pradayinyai Sri Brahmacharini Mahadevyai Namah
- Om “Yam” Jala Tatvatmane Namah
How to meditate Goddess Brahmacharini?
- Goddess Brahmacharini is associated with Swadisthana Chakra of Kundalini. There are six petals in this chakra.
- The beejakshara mantra of Swadisthana Chakra is “Vam” and mudra is Jalamudra ( meeting little finger with thumb).
- Concentrate your mind on the lower belly and inner pelvis, the location of Swadisthana Chakra with Jalamudra.
- Chant beejakshara mantra nine times with mind and take breath for nine times.
- Observe meditation in locking (all your right fingers on the left fingers).
What is in it for me for worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini?
She is an inspiration for seekers aiming for higher realms of spirituality. Those who aim to achieve divinity should get inspired by her story and continue their practice. One who worships her will be relived of evil thoughts and six senses (Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha Mada and Mathsarya).