Maa Brahmacharini – Second incarnation of Maa Durga.
Brahmacharini, also known as Tapaswini, Tapasyacharini or Parvati, is the second form of the Goddess Durga. Her name means one who practices penance or brahmacharya, with “Brahma” meaning penance and Charini” meaning a female follower. The Goddess is worshipped on the second day of Navratri (the nine divine nights of Navadurga). Those who are devoted to her are rewarded with virtue, emancipation, peace, prosperity, happiness and nobility. She holds a japa mala (rosary) in her right hand and Kamandal, a water utensil in her left hand.
Legend
When the Goddess Parvati realised that she was destined to marry Lord Shiva, she decided to please him in every possible way. Rishi Narad advised her to follow the path of extreme penance and dedication to please Lord Shiva.
Parvati immersed herself in a difficult penance or tapasya. She suffered all the torments of nature while performing the penance. She gave up food and water, living on a diet of leaves. This is the reason she is also known as Aparna. After many years, Parvati was finally successful. Lord Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife and named this form of her as “Brahmachari”.
This second form of Maa Durga grants her devotees unlimited wishes. By worshipping her the qualities like penance, sacrifice, freedom from wordly desires, discipline, self control etc. increase in a devotee. Even in adverse circumstances his mind does not waver from his duties. Due to her blessings he attains victory and prosperity everywhere.
The Devi is described as paralyzing the enemies by sprinkling the holy water from the water jug. Those who worship this Devi daily will become adept in Brahma Vidya. In the modern day parlance, this can be taken for higher education. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, in the vicinity of Brahmeshwar, devotees can find Brahma Devi (Brahmacharini).
Significance of Worship
The goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri to acquire the power to abstain from food and water for the festival’s nine days. With Devi Brahmacharini’s blessing, devotees can keep the fast for nine days with no adverse effect on their health. The following mantra is chanted to invoke
Goddess Brahmacharini
Dadhana Karpadma abhyamaksh Mala kamandalu |
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinya Nuttama ||
The blessings of this form of Shakti, provide knowledge and the determination to overcome all of life’s difficulties
LOCATION OF BRAHMA CHARINI DEVI
Brahma Charini is located at K-22/72, Durga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Brahmeshwar temple. Alternatively, they can travel upto Durga Ghat / Brahma Ghat by boat and climb the steps. Devotees specially worship Brahmacharini Devi during Navratri falling in September/October. There is another Devi worshipped as Brahmini who is very powerful alongwith Goddesses like Maaheshwari, Varahi etc. This Devi idol is located at Brahmeshwar temple at D-33/66 Khalispura, near Dasaswamedh, Varanasi.
Temple Timings
Temple opens from 6.00 a.m. to 01.30 p.m & from 04.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Aarti is performed at 06.00 a.m., 04.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. (Shayan Aarti).
How to Reach
Brahma Charini is located at K-22/72, Durga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Brahmeshwar temple.
Alternatively, they can travel upto Durga Ghat / Brahma Ghat by boat and climb the steps. Devotees specially worship Brahmacharini Devi during Navratri falling in September/October.
There is another Devi worshipped as Brahmini who is very powerful alongwith Goddesses like Maaheshwari, Varahi etc. This Devi idol is located at Brahmeshwar temple at D-33/66 Khalispura, near Dasaswamedh, Varanasi.
