What to do on Day-2 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 2: Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini

Navratri, the vibrant Hindu festival spanning nine nights, continues on its second day with the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini. As the name suggests, Brahmacharini represents a devotee or practitioner of severe penance and austerity. She is the epitome of devotion and symbolizes the practice of penance and sacrifice, which leads to the path of knowledge and enlightenment. On this day, devotees honor her dedication, seeking her blessings for wisdom, patience, and the strength to endure life’s challenges.

Significance of Goddess Brahmacharini

Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga and is known for her immense austerity and penance. The word “Brahmacharini” is derived from “Brahma,” meaning supreme knowledge or the ultimate reality, and “Charini,” meaning a female follower. Therefore, Brahmacharini is the goddess who practices and symbolizes the quest for knowledge and wisdom.

According to Hindu mythology, Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. In this form, she undertook severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. Her devotion and determination were so intense that she survived on leaves for thousands of years, and eventually on nothing at all, until she won Lord Shiva’s heart. She is depicted holding a rosary (mala) in her right hand and a water utensil (kamandalu) in her left hand, symbolizing her meditative and austere nature.

Rituals and Prayers on Day 2

1. Ghatasthapana Continuation:

• The rituals on the second day begin with continuing the practices established on the first day, including maintaining the Kalash (sacred pot) that was installed during Kalash Sthapana. The Kalash is worshipped daily, as it is believed to house the divine presence of the goddess for the entire duration of Navratri.

2. Invocation of Brahmacharini:

• The main ritual of Day 2 is the invocation of Goddess Brahmacharini. The puja involves the chanting of specific mantras dedicated to her, seeking her blessings for wisdom, strength, and perseverance in life’s challenges.
• The mantra commonly recited on this day is:
  ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
• Devotees also recite the Durga Saptashati or the Devi Mahatmya, which glorifies the divine powers and virtues of the goddess.

3.Offering to the Goddess:

• Special offerings are made to Goddess Brahmacharini, including flowers, particularly jasmine and hibiscus, as these are considered auspicious. Fresh fruits, sweets like sugarcane, and panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee) are also offered to the goddess.
• Simple, sattvic (pure) food is prepared and offered as bhog (sacred food), reflecting the simplicity and austerity associated with the goddess. Kheer (sweet rice pudding) is a common offering on this day.

4. Lighting the Akhand Jyot:

• The Akhand Jyot, a lamp that was lit on the first day, continues to burn. It symbolizes the unbroken connection between the devotee and the divine. The flame is carefully maintained, as it is considered a sign of prosperity and spiritual growth.

Fasting and Dietary Observances

Fasting continues on the second day of Navratri, with devotees adhering to various levels of austerity depending on their personal practices and physical capabilities. The fast is a means of purification, both physically and spiritually, allowing devotees to focus on their devotion to the goddess.

1. Types of Fasting:

• Nirjala Fast: Some devotees continue to observe a Nirjala fast, refraining from both food and water for the entire day, and breaking the fast only after the evening puja.
• Phalahar Fast: Many devotees observe a Phalahar fast, where only fruits, milk, and water are consumed. This type of fast is less strenuous but equally powerful in its spiritual benefits.
• Satvik Food: For those who do eat, the focus remains on sattvic food, which excludes grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items. Common dishes include sabudana khichdi (tapioca pearls cooked with peanuts), fruit salads, and boiled potatoes.

2. Consumption of Specific Foods:

• Sabudana: Sabudana (tapioca pearls) is a popular ingredient during Navratri. It is easily digestible and provides the necessary energy while fasting. Sabudana khichdi, vadas, and kheer are common preparations.
• Fruits and Dry Fruits: Fresh fruits and dry fruits like almonds, raisins, and cashews are consumed to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
• Dairy Products: Milk, curd, and paneer (cottage cheese) are integral to the Navratri diet, providing essential nutrients while adhering to the fast.

Meditation and Spiritual Practices

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to deepening one’s spiritual practices, focusing on the discipline and perseverance exemplified by Goddess Brahmacharini. Devotees engage in meditation, prayers, and other spiritual activities to connect with the divine and enhance their inner strength.

1. Chakra Meditation:

• On this day, devotees focus on the Swadhisthana chakra, which is the sacral chakra located below the navel. This chakra is associated with creativity, emotion, and the flow of life energy. Meditating on this chakra helps in balancing emotions, enhancing creativity, and improving the flow of energy in the body.
• The mantra “Vam” is chanted during meditation to activate and balance the Swadhisthana chakra.

2. Bhajans and Kirtans:

• Devotional songs and kirtans are sung in praise of Goddess Brahmacharini. These songs not only glorify her virtues but also create a serene and spiritually uplifting environment, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in divine energy.
• Bhajans such as “Jai Ambe Gauri” and “Brahmacharini Vandana” are commonly sung on this day, invoking the goddess’s blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and devotion.

3. Offering Donations:

• Charity remains an important aspect of Navratri. On the second day, devotees are encouraged to donate food, clothes, or money to the needy. This act of giving is believed to bring blessings from the goddess and purify one’s soul, reflecting the selflessness and simplicity of Brahmacharini.
• Donating to educational causes, such as providing books or sponsoring a child’s education, is considered especially auspicious on this day, as it aligns with the goddess’s association with knowledge and learning.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 2 is a day of deep devotion, discipline, and spiritual growth, marked by the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini. Her story of intense penance and unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva serves as an inspiration for devotees to cultivate patience, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to their spiritual goals.

Through rituals, fasting, meditation, and charity, devotees seek to purify themselves and connect with the divine energy of Brahmacharini. This day emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge, setting the stage for the continued spiritual journey through the remaining days of Navratri. The worship of Brahmacharini reminds us that with dedication and devotion, we can overcome any obstacles in our path and attain spiritual enlightenment.