Shardiya Navratri is one of the most auspicious nine-day Hindu festivals with great enthusiasm across India. The festival is dedicated to worshiping the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga, namely Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Talking about the different forms, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati. She was a great Sati and her unmarried form is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini.
On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship this form of Navdurga.
The goddess adorns a peaceful look in white clothes, walks bare feet and holds a japa mala (a string of beads) in her right hand and a Kamandal, a traditional water pot in her left hand.
As per the Hindu scriptures, the Goddess Brahmacharini did severe penance to appease Lord Shiva. She performed hard austerity due to which she is popularly known as Brahmacharini.
Navratri 2023 Day 2: DATE AND MUHRAT
The second day of Navratri will be marked on Monday, October 16, 2023 and as per the Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi will be in effect from 12:32 AM on October 16 to 01:13 AM on October 17.
Navratri 2023 Day 2: SIGNIFICANCE
It is believed that Lord Mangal is the provider of all fortunes and she is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini and one who worships Maa Brahmacharini is granted peace and happiness.
Navratri 2023 Day 2: COLOUR OF THE DAY
White colour symbolizes purity and innocence. Slip into a white colour dress on Monday and experience a feeling of inner peace and security.
Navratri 2023 Day 2: PUJA VIDHI FOR MAA BRAHMACHARINI
- Wake up early and wear fresh and clean clothes for the morning puja
- The idol of Goddess Brahmacharini is dipped in Panchamrit which is made of 5 ingredients-honey, sugar, milk, curd, and ghee.
- Then, vermillion is applied to the forehead of the idol.
- Devotees offer flowers, Akshat and sandalwood to Goddess Brahmacharini during the puja. They also place supari and paan next to the goddess.
- She is worshipped with her favourite Jasmine flowers during the pooja.
Navratri 2023 Day 2: BHOG TO OFFER
The traditional bhog to offer Goddess Brahmacharini is jaggery, a type of sugar that is made from sugarcane juice. It is the symbol of purity and simplicity, which are qualities that are associated with Maa Brahmacharini.
Other common bhogs for Maa Brahmacharini include:
- Fruits, such as apples, bananas, and oranges
- Sweets, such as laddoos, barfi, and gulab jamun
- Kheer, a type of rice pudding
- Halwa, a type of sweet dish made from semolina
- Devotees may also offer other items as bhog, such as flowers, incense, and candles.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jaggery
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the jaggery and water over medium heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cardamom powder.
- Serve hot or cold.
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