The form of the Goddess
worshipped on the second day of Navaratri is Brahmacharini (‘female celibate spiritual aspirant’).
Brahmacharini is
depicted standing on bare feet, and clad in white robes. She holds a japa mala (rosary) in one hand and a kamandalu (small water vessel) in the
other.
As Shailaputri, Shakthi
had determined to re-unite with Lord Shiva. This was no small endeavor. Her form
of Brahmacharini portrays the tapas (penance)
she underwent to attain this state. Her tapas lasted for 5000 years – a period
during which she lived in the mountains at the mercy of the elements, engaging
in yogic pursuits, and gradually abandoning all sustenance. It is at this point,
finally, that she wins over Shiva.
It is notable that
among the nine forms of the Goddess during Navaratri, Brahmacharini is the only
one without a vahana (divine mount)
and also the only one depicted standing. The kamandalu symbolizes renunciation of the material world. The austere simplicity of Brahmacharini
signifies the pursuit of sacred knowledge that an aspirant engages in once the
Muladhara Shakti has been activated. This is represented by her meditative,
introspective countenance. Lord Shiva, immune to her physical beauty, cannot
resist her selfless and single-minded devotion. This is the mystical meaning of
the Brahmacharini form.
Among the Navagrahas,
she governs Mars. The sacred offering to Brahmacharini is sugar. This offering
is believed to bless the devotee and the devotee’s family with longevity, and
increase feelings of affection among family members.
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