Maa Brahmacharini on Navratri Day 2: Full Worship Guide, Mantras & Sacred Green Rituals

When the second day of Navratri arrives, homes across India turn green and hearts turn inward, focusing on the austere yet powerful energy of Maa Brahmacharini. This goddess, the embodiment of penance, offers devotees a roadmap to self‑discipline, knowledge and spiritual resilience. Below is an expanded walk‑through that takes you from mythic origins to the very last flicker of the Akhand Jyoti.

Significance, Mythology & Sacred Color

According to ancient lore, Parvati—later known as Brahmacharini—undertook relentless meditation and severe austerities to win Shiva’s hand. The Saptrishis and the celestial pantheon, moved by her resolve, promised that every sincere wish would be granted, sealing her fate as the devoted wife of Lord Chandramouli.

For this day, the color green dominates every altar and garment. Green mirrors the burgeoning life of spring, symbolising growth, fertility and a tranquil mind. Devotees dress in green sarees or kurta‑pyjamas, drape green fabrics around the deity, and weave green garlands, all to harmonise with the goddess’s vibrant energy.

Step‑by‑step Puja Procedure and Mantras

Preparation

• Rise before sunrise; cleanse the house, focusing on the puja space.
• Choose an auspicious muhurta (time) based on the local panchang.
• Lay a fresh white cloth on the altar and gather all samagri: fresh flowers, coconut, turmeric, kumkum, rice, ghee, and sacred water.

Kalash Sthapana

1. Place a pristine Kalash at the centre of the altar.
2. Fill it with Ganga jal, a handful of betel leaves, supari, a few coins, Akshat (raw rice mixed with turmeric), and Durva grass.
3. Draw a Swastik on the pot’s exterior with red kumkum.
4. Arrange five mango leaves around the Kalash neck and cover the opening with a coconut wrapped in red cloth, secured with a sacred red thread.
5. Sprinkle additional Ganga jal to sanctify the setup.

Deity Installation and Decoration

• Set the idol or picture of Maa Brahmacharini on the cleaned altar.
• Adorn the image with fresh jasmine (Mogra) and other white blossoms.
• Cover the deity with a chunari of green silk, aligning with the day’s colour theme.
• Light a brass diya (oil lamp) before the goddess; keep the flame steady.

Offerings

• Present white sweets such as kheer, rabri and barfi on a silver plate.
• Apply a dot of vermillion or kumkum on the deity’s forehead.
• Offer a metal pot containing jasmine flowers, cooked rice, and sandalwood paste.
• Scatter rose petals around the Kalash as a sign of devotion.

Mantras and Prayers

Throughout the day, chant the primary mantra:

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah (ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥)

Follow with the Prathana:

Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama

And the Stuti:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Reciting the Durga Saptashati (or Devi Mahatmy) enhances the spiritual atmosphere, especially when the chanting is synchronized with the Akhand Jyoti that burns continuously for the entire Navratri.

Special Navratri Kalash Arrangement

For a prolonged ritual, many devotees create a shallow clay vessel filled with three layers of mud. On top, they sow Sapta Dhanya (seven grains) or Navadhanya (nine grains) such as barley, wheat and millet. After sprinkling a modest amount of water, the central Kalash is placed amidst this fertile mound, symbolising abundance and the goddess’s nurturing power.

Benefits of Devotion

• Invokes wisdom, clarity of thought and academic success.
• Strengthens self‑discipline, patience and the resolve to face life’s challenges.
• Fosters inner peace, reducing stress through regular mantra chanting.
• Encourages spiritual growth, leading to a deeper connection with the divine feminine.

By following this comprehensive guide, practitioners align themselves with Maa Brahmacharini’s austere yet nurturing spirit, paving the way for personal transformation during the vibrant festival of Navratri.