Brahmacharini

Over the last nine episodes, we walked alongside the Navadurga.

We learned how to find our footing like Shailaputri, master unbroken focus like Brahmacharini, command chaos like Chandraghanta, ignite our inner light like Kushmanda, lead with fierce love like Skandamata, Set unshakable boundaries like Katayani.

Face our darkest shadows like Kalratri.

Heal deeply like Mahagauri.

Episode 77, Day 3.

In episode 72, we met Brahmacharini, the second of the nine forms of these nights, barefoot, in white, with a rosary and a water pot, the goddess of austerity.

Tonight, we meet the third.

Her name is Chandraghanta.

Here is the verse many people recite to meditate on her.

[speaking Marath] "She who rides the noblest of beasts, who carries weapons, fierce with anger against the wicked—may she, famed as Chandraghanta, grant me her grace." Now, put her next to the goddess we met last night, and the change is startling.

Brahmacharini walked.

Chandraghanta rides on a tiger in many descriptions, on a lion in many images.

Last night, in Episode 69, we met her again as Shailputri, the mountain's daughter, Parvati, who as a child was told by the sage Narada that her husband would be a wandering yogi.

Today, the second day belongs to Brahmacharini, the one who walks in austerity.

And this is her story, how Parvati won Shiva back, not by beauty and not by birth, but by Tapas.

Tapas is one of the great words of Indian thought, and it does not translate easily.

Both are the goddess.

The festival honors both.

Tonight, as the second lamp burns, many people will honor her as Brahmacharini, the form of Parvati in her austerity, barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot.

We will meet that form properly in the next episode.

Here are those lines as they are commonly printed.

Prathmam Shailputri cha dwitiyam Brahmacharini.

Tritiya Chandraghanteti Kushmandeti Chaturthakam.

Panchama Skandamateti Sastham Katyayani ti cha.

Navmam Siddhidatri cha Navdurgah prakirtitah.

First, Shailputri.

Second, Brahmacharini.

Third, Chandraghanta.

rooting yourself in firm intention and foundational strength, also called as Ghatasthapana.

Day 2, Brahmacharini, cultivating self-discipline, quiet patience and unwavering focus.

Day 3, Chandraghanta, building emotional balance, poise and internal courage.

Phase 2 is day 4 to 6. cultivation and abundance, working with Goddess Lakshmi.