Brahma Charini Devi Temple, Varanasi

According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, in the vicinity of Brahmeshwar, devotees can find Brahma Devi (Brahmacharini). Among the nine forms of Maa Durga, Brahmacharini is the second. Here Brahma means Tapasya (penance). Brahmacharini means one who observes penance. Brahmacharini Devi’s form is brilliant and very magnificent. She has a bead garland in her right hand and a Kamandalu (water pot) in her left hand.

In her previous birth she was born as the daughter of Himalaya. At that time, she was encouraged by Sage Narad’s advice and she underwent a rigorous penance for several thousand years to be blessed with Lord Shiva as her husband. Due to this rigorous penance, she was called Tapascharini. All the Devas and Sages described her penance as extra ordinary and began to praise her. In the end, Lord Brahma was also impressed and addressed her saying that nobody had done such a rigorous penance and it has been admired by everybody everywhere. Lord Brahma further stated that Tapascharini will get Lord Shiva as her husband.

This second form of Maa Durga grants her devotees unlimited wishes. By worshipping her the qualities like penance, sacrifice, freedom from wordly desires, discipline, self control etc. increase in a devotee. Even in adverse circumstances his mind does not waver from his duties. Due to her blessings he attains victory and prosperity everywhere.

The Devi is described as paralyzing the enemies by sprinkling the holy water from the water jug. Those who worship this Devi daily will become adept in Brahma Vidya. In the modern day parlance, this can be taken for higher education.