On the auspicious second day of Shardiya Navratri, devotees gathered at the Jhandewalan Ma Mandir on October 4 morning as Aarti was performed. On this day, Ma Durga is worshipped in the form of Ma Brahmacharini.
Aarti was also performed at Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir in Chhatarpur, Delhi, on the second day of Shardiya Navratri.
On this day, devotees worship Ma Brahmacharini, one of the avatars of Ma Durga. According to Hindu scriptures, Ma Brahmacharini was a great Sati, and her form symbolises the severe penance performed by Ma Parvati.
Ma Brahmacharini wears white clothes, holding a chanting rosary in her right hand and a kamandal in her left. It is believed that worshipping her enhances the power of chanting and penance in devotees.
To worship Ma Brahmacharini, devotees can chant the mantra dedicated to her: “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah.” The murti of Ma Brahmacharini is bathed in honey and milk, and a teeka is applied to the idol’s forehead. A special bhog of sugar is also offered to the Goddess during Navratri.
Navratri, which means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, is dedicated to the worship of Ma Durga and her nine avatars, known as Navdurga.
Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two–Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri–are widely celebrated, as they coincide with the changing of the seasons.
In India, Navratri is celebrated in various ways. In North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, the Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of scenes from the Ramayana, is organised. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, marked by the burning of King Ravana’s effigies.
(With inputs from ANI)
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