*NAVARATRI WEEK* Brahmacharini

[Guest guest]

The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes

panance and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa" or

`Austerity".

There is rosary made of `Rudraksha' in her right hand and

Kamandalu

in left hand. She is full with merriment. . Once when she was busy in

games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her

Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole

baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in

previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him."

 

There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none

except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she

went to observe penance (tap). It was in this form that she

worshipped Shiva, living on fruits and leaves only. She would stand

under the open skies, be it rain, snow or the blazing sun. First she

fed on fruits and leaves, then slowly she gave up the fruits ate only

leaves. After sometime she began surviving on the `Bel'

(Bilva)

leaves which had fallen from the trees. And soon gave up even that.

Slowly she gave up even water and prayed continuously to Shiva.

Because of the severe austerities, Parvati got the name

Brahmacharini.

 

She is also called Tapashcharini. Because she gaves up eating even

leaves (parna) she became known as Aparna. Her body was reduced to

nothing. Seeing this her mother, Menaka said "Uu Maa" (Oh

No). And

since then another name of the Devi became Uma. This form of the Devi

is very popular among the Bhaktas. This form encourages meditation,

sacrifice and self-control.

 

She personifies love and loyalty. Bhramcharini is the store house of

knowledge and wisdom. Rudraksha beads are Her most adored ornaments!

 

Om ParaShaktiye Namaha