Discover Navratri Day 2 Maa Brahmacharini puja vidhi, mantra, traditional bhog and fasting foods for Shardiya Navratri 2026.
October 12, 2026: The second day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship her as a symbol of devotion, penance and self-discipline. In 2026, Navratri Day 2 falls on Monday, October 12.
Significance of Maa Brahmacharini
In Hindu tradition, Maa Brahmacharini represents Goddess Parvati’s ascetic form. She is depicted wearing white, holding a rosary in her right hand and a kamandalu, or water pot, in her left. Her worship encourages patience, simplicity and commitment to spiritual practice.
Navratri Day 2 Puja Vidhi
A simple home puja can include the following steps:
- Bathe, wear clean clothes and tidy the worship area.
- Place flowers before an image or idol of Maa Brahmacharini.
- Light a diya and offer water, fruits and a small portion of sweets.
- Chant her mantra calmly and reflect on her qualities of perseverance and devotion.
- Conclude with aarti and distribute the offerings as prasad.
Jasmine flowers are traditionally associated with Maa Brahmacharini. Sugar, mishri and fruits are commonly offered as bhog. Practices may differ between households and regional traditions.
Maa Brahmacharini Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah.
The mantra means “Salutations to Goddess Brahmacharini.” Devotees can repeat it during prayer according to their customary practice.
Fasting Rules and Falahar Foods
Many devotees observe a fruit-based fast or eat simple vrat meals. Common ingredients include fruits, milk, curd, makhana, potatoes, sabudana, kuttu flour, singhara flour and samak millet.
In many North Indian fasting traditions, devotees avoid wheat, regular rice, pulses, onion and garlic, and use sendha namak, or rock salt. These restrictions are customary rather than identical across all communities, so follow your family’s practice.
For a varied fasting menu, consider fruit with curd, roasted makhana, kuttu cheela or samak cooked with permitted vegetables. These offer alternatives to eating fried snacks throughout the day.
If you have diabetes, discuss fasting with your healthcare team beforehand, including any necessary medication adjustments.
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