On the second day of the Navaratri celebrations, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped. She is another avatar of Goddess Durga. The Goddess is clad in a white saree.

Origin and meaning of the Name

The name, Brahmacharini, comes from two words - Brahma, meaning the absolute reality, , penance or Tapas, and Charini, meaning a female follower who pursues sacred religious knowledge.

Depiction of the Goddess

In this avatar, Goddess Durga is the epitome of devotion and penance. Goddess Brahmacharini holds a Japamala in her right hand and a Kamandala ( a round vessel) with holy water in her left hand. She wears a white saree.

Story behind the Avatar

Sati immolated herself in the Yagna organised by her father, King Daksha. She was later re-born a second time as the daughter of Himavan - King of Mountains. She was called Parvathi ( After the mountains, in Hindi - Parvat). She was also known as Hemavathi or Shailaputri.

Parvathi grew up into a beautiful maiden. Even in this birth, she deeply revered Lord Shiva. One day, Sage Naradha ( The son of Lord Brahma) visited Parvathi. Seeing Parvathi deeply in love with Lord Shiva, he suggested she undertake penance to please Shiva.

Parvathi was determined and would do anything to marry Lord Shiva. Hence, as suggested by Narada, she undertook severe penance. She became a devoted follower of Lord Shiva and gave up all her comforts. She ate only raw vegetables and fruits, slept on the forest floor and meditated for many years. Finally, she gave up eating altogether. She survived on water. Then she gave it up as well. Thus, Parvathi came to be called Brahmacharini or Tapascharini.

News about Parvathi’s severe Tapas reached the ears of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma remarked that he had not seen anyone undertake such a level of penance. He blessed Parvathi that she got Lord Shiva as her husband. Slowly, the news about the Parvathi’s penance reached Lord Shiva. They finally married each other.

Devotees observing the Navaratri fast pray to Goddess Brahmacharini to give them the strength, determination and will to observe the fast for all nine days.

This avatar of Goddess Durga teaches a devotee that no matter what comes their way, they should have a strong will and not abandon their spiritual duties. Just like Ma Parvathi, a devotee should remain focused amidst any adversities.

Vaishnavi Gurusankar is a passionate educator, a wife and a mother. She has over a decade of experience as an educator and has been closely working with teachers and children of all ages. She is also an active parenting blogger and founder of Magical Unicorn, an exclusive parenting blog founded on Indian ethos, values and stories at its core. She has also authored the book "Bharatyam : Science behind Hindu Practices & Way of Life"