On the auspicious second day of Shardiya Navratri, devotees gathered at the Jhandewalan Mata Temple on Friday morning as Aarti was performed.
On this day, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Mata 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 Maa Brahmacharini, one of the avatars of Maa Durga. According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Brahmacharini was a great Sati, and her form symbolises the severe penance performed by Goddess Parvati.
Maa 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 Goddess Brahmacharini, devotees can chant the mantra dedicated to her: “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah.” The idol of Maa 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 Goddess 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.
