On the second day of Navratri, as we immerse ourselves in the divine energy of Maa Brahmacharini, there is a special shloka (prayer) that beautifully captures her essence. More than just words, it is a meditative verse that helps us visualize and connect with her supreme form.
Let's delve into this profound prayer:
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Dadhānā karapadmābhyāmakṣamālā kamaṇḍalū Devī prasīdatu mayi brahmachāriṇyanuttamā
The Word-by-Word Meaning
To truly appreciate this prayer, let's break it down:
Dadhānā (दधाना): Meaning "one who holds" or "bearing."
Kara-padmābhyām (करपद्माभ्याम्): "In her lotus-like hands." The word 'Kara' means hand, and 'Padma' means lotus, comparing her hands to the purity and beauty of a lotus flower.
Akṣamālā (अक्षमाला): The sacred rosary made of Rudraksha beads, a symbol of meditation, spiritual discipline, and concentration.
Kamaṇḍalū (कमण्डलू): The ascetic's water pot, representing a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and renunciation.
Devī (देवी): The resplendent Goddess.
Prasīdatu (प्रसीदतु): "May she be pleased" or "may she bestow her grace."
Mayi (मयि): "Upon me."
Brahmachāriṇī (ब्रह्मचारिणी): The Goddess who observes the sacred path of penance and divine conduct.
Anuttamā (अनुत्तमा): The supreme, the unparalleled, one who is second to none.
The Complete Translation
When woven together, the shloka translates to:
"She who holds the akshamala (rosary) and the kamandalu (water pot) in her lotus-like hands; May she, the supreme and unparalleled Goddess Brahmacharini, be pleased and bestow her divine grace upon me."
The Symbolism in Her Hands
This prayer specifically draws our attention to the two objects Maa Brahmacharini holds, which are central to her identity:
The Akshamala (Rosary): This is not merely an accessory but a powerful tool for japa (chanting) and meditation. It signifies that the path to divine knowledge and ultimate truth is through constant remembrance, discipline, and unwavering focus. By holding it, she inspires devotees to control their wandering minds and direct their energy towards a higher purpose.
The Kamandalu (Water Pot): This simple vessel holds sacred water, symbolizing a life of asceticism and detachment from material possessions. It teaches us that true fulfillment comes not from external wealth but from inner purity and self-reliance. It contains the life-sustaining amrita (nectar) of spiritual wisdom.
By invoking this shloka, we are not just asking for blessings. We are meditating on the very qualities that Maa Brahmacharini embodies: discipline, devotion, simplicity, and the relentless pursuit of supreme knowledge. We ask her to be pleased with our efforts and to grace us with the strength to walk our own spiritual path with the same determination.
This Navratri, may this beautiful prayer resonate within you, drawing you closer to the serene and powerful energy of Maa Brahmacharini.
Jai Mata Di! 🙏
Brahmacharini Durga Maa Dhyan Mantra 108 times
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Brahmacharini Durga Maa Dhyan Mantra 108 times
On the second day of Navratri, as we immerse ourselves in the divine energy of Maa Brahmacharini, there is a special shloka (prayer) that beautifully captures her essence. More than just words, it is a meditative verse that helps us visualize and connect with her supreme form.
Let’s delve into this profound prayer:
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Dadhānā karapadmābhyāmakṣamālā kamaṇḍalū Devī prasīdatu mayi brahmachāriṇyanuttamā
The Word-by-Word Meaning
To truly appreciate this prayer, let’s break it down:
- Dadhānā (दधाना): Meaning “one who holds” or “bearing.”
- Kara-padmābhyām (करपद्माभ्याम्): “In her lotus-like hands.” The word ‘Kara’ means hand, and ‘Padma’ means lotus, comparing her hands to the purity and beauty of a lotus flower.
- Akṣamālā (अक्षमाला): The sacred rosary made of Rudraksha beads, a symbol of meditation, spiritual discipline, and concentration.
- Kamaṇḍalū (कमण्डलू): The ascetic’s water pot, representing a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and renunciation.
- Devī (देवी): The resplendent Goddess.
- Prasīdatu (प्रसीदतु): “May she be pleased” or “may she bestow her grace.”
- Mayi (मयि): “Upon me.”
- Brahmachāriṇī (ब्रह्मचारिणी): The Goddess who observes the sacred path of penance and divine conduct.
- Anuttamā (अनुत्तमा): The supreme, the unparalleled, one who is second to none.
The Complete Translation
When woven together, the shloka translates to:
“She who holds the akshamala (rosary) and the kamandalu (water pot) in her lotus-like hands; May she, the supreme and unparalleled Goddess Brahmacharini, be pleased and bestow her divine grace upon me.”
The Symbolism in Her Hands
This prayer specifically draws our attention to the two objects Maa Brahmacharini holds, which are central to her identity:
- The Akshamala (Rosary): This is not merely an accessory but a powerful tool for japa (chanting) and meditation. It signifies that the path to divine knowledge and ultimate truth is through constant remembrance, discipline, and unwavering focus. By holding it, she inspires devotees to control their wandering minds and direct their energy towards a higher purpose.
- The Kamandalu (Water Pot): This simple vessel holds sacred water, symbolizing a life of asceticism and detachment from material possessions. It teaches us that true fulfillment comes not from external wealth but from inner purity and self-reliance. It contains the life-sustaining amrita (nectar) of spiritual wisdom.
By invoking this shloka, we are not just asking for blessings. We are meditating on the very qualities that Maa Brahmacharini embodies: discipline, devotion, simplicity, and the relentless pursuit of supreme knowledge. We ask her to be pleased with our efforts and to grace us with the strength to walk our own spiritual path with the same determination.
This Navratri, may this beautiful prayer resonate within you, drawing you closer to the serene and powerful energy of Maa Brahmacharini.
Jai Mata Di! 🙏