Brahmcharini
The second form of the goddess Mahadurga is Brahmcharini. She is the goddess who is worshipped for intense austerities (Tapas), Knowledge (Vedas), and States of Existence (Tattvas). The worship of the goddess Brahmcharini may best be considered by an aspirant when he makes tapas a way of life.
The form of the goddess is considered to be both emotional, magnificent (bhavya) and divine. The goddess in her right hand holds a japah mala and in her left hand holds the kamandal. The jap mala here indicates the search for highest consciousness or Shiv and the Kamandal holds water signifying an essential ingredient of all creation. The goddess also wears a white sari indicating that she is on a spiritual path and is performing tapas. The colour white also indicates purity of thought, speech and action. The goddess is adorned with lotus flowers and a crown in some representations. The goddess here is depicted as a young virgin who can be best described as beautiful, innocent, and has sweetness associated with the purity of a young girl. The goddess had performed intense austerities to win over Lord Shiv as her mate. During the time the goddess performed the tapas she gave up food and water as a result of which her body dried up like a leaf. This act gave her the name of Aparna and as the power of Shiv the name of Uma. The mother is worshipped in the form of the creatrix of entire creation. There are many tales with regard to this. The goddess in this aspect particularly is looked upon as the form of shakti who takes us to the highest consciousness and on completion of her spiritual practice, her meeting her mate Shiv and so she is the creative mother force. This form is best worshipped by those aspirants who wish to achieve realization. Her mantras of worship are: