Shardiya Navratri is the most auspicious nine-day Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. The festival is dedicated to worship 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. So, on the second day of Navratri, devotees worship this form of Navdurga.

ALSO READ: Happy Navratri 2023: Shardiya Navratri Wishes, Messages, Images and Quotes to Share With Your Loved Ones

She 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. According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Brahmacharini did severe penance to appease Lord Shiva. She performed hard austerity due to which she is popularly known as Brahmacharini.

During this 9-days festivities, devotees fast for nine days and engage in various rituals, including Navratri Ghatsthapana, Durga Saptashathi Path, Durga Aarti, Durga Chalisa recitations, Kanya Puja, and lively Garba and Dandiya nights. The tenth day, known as Dussehra, marks the triumph of good over evil. This year, Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri will be observed from October 15 to October 23, culminating in Dussehra.

Navratri 2023 Day 2: Date and Muhurat

The second day of Navratri will be marked on Monday, October 16. According to the Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi will be in effect from 12:32 AM on October 16 to 01:13 AM on October 17.

Significance

It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, 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 color is tantamount with purity and innocence. Slip into a white color dress on Monday and experience a feeling of inner peace and security.

Navratri 2023 Day 2: Puja Vidhi For Maa Brahmacharini

1. Wake up early and wear fresh and clean clothes for the morning puja
2. The idol of Goddess Brahmacharini is dipped in Panchamrit which is made of 5 ingredients-honey, sugar, milk, curd, and ghee.
3. Then, vermillion is applied to the forehead of the idol.
4. Devotees offer flowers, Akshat and sandalwood to Goddess Brahmacharini during the puja. They also place supari and paan next to the goddess.
5. She is worshipped with her favourite Jasmine flowers during the pooja.

Navratri 2023 Day 2: Mantras

• Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥
• Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu।
• Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama॥

Navratri 2023 Day 2: Bhog To Offer

The traditional bhog to offer Goddess Brahmacharini is jaggery. Jaggery is a type of sugar that is made from sugarcane juice. It is a symbol of purity and simplicity, which are qualities that are associated with Maa Brahmacharini.

Other common bhog offerings to Maa Brahmacharini include:

1. Fruits, such as apples, bananas, and oranges
2. Sweets, such as laddoos, barfi, and gulab jamun
3. Kheer, a type of rice pudding
4. Halwa, a type of sweet dish made from semolina
5. Devotees may also offer other items as bhog, such as flowers, incense, and candles.

Here is a recipe for a simple jaggery bhog that you can offer to Maa Brahmacharini:

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.

You can also offer Maa Brahmacharini a simple fruit bhog by arranging a variety of fruits on a platter and offering it to the goddess.

* Video Source: @narendramodi/X, formerly Twitter