The second day of Sharad Navratri, Monday, 12th October 2026, is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. She is the Goddess in her form as a young ascetic, absorbed in penance. Where Day 1 is about a firm start, Day 2 is about discipline: the steady effort that strengthens one’s spiritual practice.
Who is Maa Brahmacharini?
Brahma here refers to tapas (austerity), and charini means one who practises or follows. Maa Brahmacharini is therefore the Goddess who lives a life of austerity. She is Parvati during the years of penance she performed to be united with Lord Shiva, which eventually led to self-awakening and self-realization.
The Story of Maa Brahmacharini
After her birth as the daughter of Himavan, Parvati resolved to have Lord Shiva as her husband. On the advice of the sage Narada, she began a long and severe penance.
According to tradition, she lived for many years on fruits and roots, then only on fallen leaves, and finally gave up even leaves. For this, she is also called Aparna, "one who did without leaves." Her penance was so intense that the gods and sages praised her, and in time Lord Shiva accepted her.
Symbolism and Iconography
Maa Brahmacharini is represented in the following manner:
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Right hand: A japa mala (prayer beads).
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Left hand: A kamandalu (water pot).
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Clothing: Simple white garments.
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Vehicle: None. She walks barefoot, as an ascetic.
The mala stands for prayer and the kamandalu for a simple, renounced life. Together, they show the spiritual strength that comes from regular practice.
Maa Brahmacharini Puja Vidhi at Home
Maa Brahmacharini puja can be performed in the following way at home:
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Bathe early and wear clean, simple clothes.
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Sprinkle Gangajal on the altar and on yourself.
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Worship the kalash set up on Day 1 with fresh flowers and water.
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Place a picture of Maa Brahmacharini on the altar and offer flowers, sandalwood paste, kumkum and akshat. Jasmine and hibiscus flowers are traditionally offered.
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Light a ghee lamp and incense.
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Chant her dhyana mantra and stuti.
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Offer the bhoga and perform aarti.
Maa Brahmacharini Mantra
Dhyana mantra
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Dadhana kara-padmabhyam akshamala-kamandalu, devi prasidatu mayi brahmacharinyanuttama.
Meaning: May the supreme Goddess Brahmacharini, who holds a rosary and a water pot in her lotus hands, be pleased with me.
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Simple mantra: ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः (Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah)
Bhoga and Colour for Day 2
The bhoga and the colour for day 2 are mentioned below:
Bhoga: Sugar (mishri) and fruits are the traditional offerings. Some families also offer simple sweets made with sugar. Keep the bhoga sattvic.
Colour: In the weekday-based tradition followed in Maharashtra, Day 2 in 2026 falls on a Monday, and the colour is white. Other regions use different lists.
A Devotional Reflection: Austerity with a Purpose
In the Srimad Bhagavatam (5.5.1), Lord Rishabhadeva advises his sons to take up divine austerity, because it purifies one's existence and leads to lasting happiness. Maa Brahmacharini shows what this looks like in practice. Her penance had one aim, and every hardship served that aim.
For a devotee today, tapasya is: rising early, chanting a fixed number of rounds every day, observing Ekadashi, and taking only food offered to the Lord. These small, regular disciplines keep devotion alive when enthusiasm fades.
Maa Brahmacharini teaches that a spiritual life is built on steady and purposeful effort. Her years of penance had one aim, and every hardship served it. As you offer mishri, chant her mantra and complete your Day 2 puja. On this day, you can ask for the same discipline. Then choose one small practice, such as rising early, chanting a fixed number of rounds or offering all your food to the Lord, and keep to it for the rest of Navratri.
May Maa Brahmacharini bless you and your family with strength, patience and devotion. To support your daily practice, join the community at ISKCON Bhiwandi, where you can take part in kirtans, festivals and seva throughout the year.
FAQs
When is Navratri Day 2 in 2026?
Navratri Day 2, dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, falls on Monday, 12 October 2026.
What does the name Brahmacharini mean?
It means one who practices austerity. It refers to Parvati's long penance to be united with Lord Shiva.
Why is Maa Brahmacharini also called Aparna?
During her penance, she renounced even the consumption of leaves. Because of this extraordinary austerity, she came to be known as Aparna, meaning "the one who did not eat even leaves".
What is offered to Maa Brahmacharini?
Sugar (mishri) and fruits are the traditional bhoga on Day 2.
Read next: [Maa Shailaputri: Navratri Day 1] | [Maa Chandraghanta: Navratri Day 3] | [Navratri 2026 guide]
