On Day 2 of the Sharadiya Navaratri, we invoke Maa Brahmacharini, the one who constantly dwells in Brahman. The conception of Maa Brahmacharini echoed in Gargi Vachaknavi, a formidable ‘Brahmavadini’ from Upanishadic era.

By Sreejit Datta, Assistant Professor, Director of Civilisational Studies Practice & Resident Mentor at Rashtram.

On Dwitiya, i.e. Day 2 of the Sharadiya Navaratri, we invoke and worship Maa Brahmacharini, the one who constantly dwells in Brahman, the Highest, and who leads us to the ultimate goal of Moksha, which is the Highest State to be attained by all beings.

We see the great ideals contained in the conception of Maa Brahmacharini echoed in Gargi Vachaknavi, a formidable ‘Brahmavadini’ who lived in the Upanishadic Age in Ancient India. Born in the lineage of Sage Garga, Gargi, daughter of Vachaknu, shot one question after another at the great Upanishadic sage Yajnavalkya. The occasion was a huge sacrificial ceremony arranged by the Sage-King Janaka, and the seekers after the knowledge of the Highest had gathered there to witness the learned discussions. Gargi’s questions were sharp, they helped Yajnavalkya analyse the subject of the Highest deity with clinical precision, following it right up to the very limit of logic. Thus, Gargi helped extract the deepest insights on the subject of the Highest Knowledge from the Sage; and her conversation with Yajnavalkya has become immortal – a classic text in the vast Upanishadic literature – and it has acted as a beacon for those who have undertaken a journey to the Highest Summit of knowledge, to attain ‘Brahmavidya’ and thus find liberation.