BHUBANESWAR: Navratri is always special in India and on its second day devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini. According to mythology, Devi Brahmacharini is Maa Parvati. Legend has it that once she saw Lord Shiva and wished to marry him.
However, after the death of Sati, Lord Shiva was in deep meditation. During this time, Maa Parvati saw him and fell in love with his Yogic personality. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, she started praying to Lord Shiva and wished to marry Him.
Years had passed, but the intensity of Goddess Parvati’s prayer and devotion had not diminished. She gave up food and sustained on Bel patra (leaves) and Ganga jal. Later, she lived on just air and known as Aparna. Lord Shiva came to know about all this and blessed her to be his wife. Thus, Goddess Brahmacharini married Lord Shiva with the power of her penance.
Since Parvati had the divine experience of Parambrahma through utmost devotion, she is called Brahma-Charini. Hence, it is said that a saadhak can achieve self control, moral strength, confidence and satwik nature through utter devotion. One has to get rid of impulsiveness, discontent, and greed. Consequently, there would be enrichment of eagerness, bravery, and fortitude in life. One becomes more aware of his or her deeds. It is believed that Maa Brahmacharini leads one to a great life. Many communities celebrate the second day of Navratri in various ways. OrissaPOST interacted with some devotees and servitors to delve deeper into the subject.
Malini Iyengar, a homemaker residing at SBI Colony Unit 4, said, “This particular day is celebrated as Koluvu (decorated dolls) with different looks among Telugu community. Being a Telugu woman, I set up Bommala Koluvu (collection of assorted dolls) depicting Goddess Durga. We worship her by giving her a bath of turmeric, sandal paste, Ganga jal and kumkum along with flowers. Then we make her wear new clothes and offer various sweets, coconut and prasadam.”
Jyostna Rai, a bank employee, said, “I perform Sola Puja or sixteen forms of puja where little girls are also being worshipped along with Goddess Parvati or Brahmacharini. She is the ultimate Goddess of power, patience and good luck.”
Pandit Kishore Rath, a servitor of Tarini temple in Bhubaneswar, said, “Those who have Mangalik dosha or problem must offer their prayers to Goddess Brahmacharini who erases all problems of Mars planet. Besides, many do celebrate the occasion by doing Navamatruka Puja in the community.”
Anadi Jena, a servitor of Bata Mangala temple in Old Town, said, “Brahmacharini leads her devotes towards self realisation and self control. Worshipping her fulfils one’s manokamna or desire.”