Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini is the second form of Durga — the one who practises severe austerities (brahmacharya, tapas). She represents the phase of Parvati's life when she performed extreme penance to win Shiva as her husband, eating only leaves and fruits, then only water, then nothing — for thousands of years. Her worship is on Day 2 of Navratri. She represents discipline, persistence, self-control, and the power of sustained spiritual practice. Day 2 is associated with the colour blue (or grey). Devotees offer sugar and pray for long life and endurance.

Standing or walking figure of a tapasvini (ascetic), two arms holding a japa mala (rosary) in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left. Wearing white. Simple form without ornaments.