Maa Brahmacharini Story

The second form of Goddess Durga is Brahmacharini, worshipped on the second day of Navratri. The name Brahmacharini is derived from the word Brahma, meaning penance. Thus, Brahmacharini signifies one who practices austerity and devotion. Her appearance is radiant and divine, carrying a kamandal in her left hand and a rosary for meditation in her right hand. In her previous birth, Brahmacharini was born as the daughter of King Himalaya. Upon receiving guidance from Sage Narad, she undertook rigorous penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Her intense penance earned her the name Brahmacharini. She practiced penance for 1,000 years by consuming only fruits and roots, then for 100 years by eating only vegetables. For several years, she endured harsh weather conditions, fasting under open skies in scorching heat and rainfall. For 3,000 years, she survived solely on bilva leaves that had fallen to the ground while continuing her worship of Lord Shiva. Eventually, she stopped eating even these leaves, earning her the name Aparna (one who doesn’t consume leaves). Due to her extreme penance, Brahmacharini’s body became frail and weak. Seeing her condition, her mother, Maina, felt great sorrow and called out to her, addressing her as Uma. From then onward, Brahmacharini was also known as Uma. Her unparalleled penance caused an uproar across the three worlds. The gods, sages, and pious beings admired her extraordinary devotion, declaring that no one had ever performed such rigorous penance. Finally, Lord Brahma appeared before her and expressed his immense satisfaction. He said, "Devi, your penance is unmatched and extraordinary. Your devotion is being praised across all directions. Your wish will be fulfilled—Lord Shiva shall marry you and become your husband. Now, end your penance and return home, as your father will soon come to take you back." Thus, Brahmacharini's dedication and devotion paved the way for her union with Lord Shiva.