ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Saraswati
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and all the creative arts. Saraswati is called the Mother of the Veda’s and the repository of Brahma’s creative intelligence. Saraswati is also called Vak Devi, the goddess of speech.
Dressed in white, Saraswati holds a mala and a palmleaf scroll, indicating knowledge. Saraswati usually rides a swan and sometimes a peacock, while playing music on a veena.
The Vilma Vashi temple in Dilwara is dedicated to Saraswati. Students worship Saraswati to perform well in examinations.
SARASWATI
Saraswathi is the goddesses of the river. She has seven sisters. She is the helper of gods. She punishes people that look down upon god. She is also a giver of water to the people. She provides people with strength as well as wealth.
Goddess Saraswati – Hindu Goddesses and Deities
Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती, Sarasvatī) is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and learning. She is a part of the trinity of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. All the three forms help the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to create, maintain and regenerate-recycle the Universe respectively.
Saraswati is the Sakti, the power and the consort of Brahma the creator. Hence she is the procreatrix, the mother, of the entire creation.
The earliest known mention of Saraswati as a goddess is in Rigveda. She has remained significant as a goddess from the Vedic age through modern times of Hindu traditions. The Goddess is also revered by believers of the Jain religion of west and central India, as well as some Buddhist sects. In the rigveda she represents a river and the deity presiding over it. Hence, she is connected with fertility and purification. Saraswati represents power and intelligence from which organized creation proceeds.
She is considered as the personification of all knowledge-arts, sciences, crafts, and skills. Knowledge is the antithesis of the darkness of ignorance. Hence she is depicted as pure white in color. Since she is the representation of all sciences, arts, crafts and skills she has to be extraordinarily beautiful and graceful. She is worshiped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.
Saraswati, sometimes spelled Sarasvati, is a Sanskrit fusion word of Sara (सार) which means essence, and Sva (स्व) which means one self, the fused word meaning “essence of oneself”, and Saraswati meaning “one who leads to essence of self knowledge”. It is also a Sanskrit composite word of surasa-vati (सुरस-वति) which means “one with plenty of water”.
Other Names of Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati is known by many names in ancient Hindu literature. Her name literally means the one who flows, which can be applied to thoughts, words, or the flow of a river. She is the deity of a river in the Rig-veda. Her other names include Sarada (giver of essence), Brahmani (goddess of sciences), Brahmi (wife of Brahma), Mahavidya (holder of supreme knowledge), Bharati (eloquence), Bharadi (goddess of history), Vani and Vachi (both referring to the flow of music/song, melodious speech, eloquent speaking respectively), Varnesvari (goddess of letters), Kavijihvagravasini (one who dwells on the tongue of poets), Maha-vidya (transcendent knowledge), Arya (noble one), Maha-vani (the transcendent word), Kamadhenu (like the wish-fulfilling cow), Dhaneshvari (the divinity of wealth), and Vagishvari (mistress of speech). It is through speech that knowledge manifests in action. It is through her that language and writing is revealed.
Saraswati, The Wife of Brahma
Lord Brahma is known for creating the universe. Since knowledge is required for creation, Maa Saraswati signifies the creative power of Brahma. An apt creation requires sound knowledge. The creation of Lord Brahma became fruitful with the knowledge provided by Goddess Saraswati.
Saraswati Iconography
In the images, she is generally depicted as a beautiful and graceful goddess clad in spotless white apparel and seated on a white Nelumbo nucifera lotus seat, which symbolizes light, knowledge and truth). She holds in her four hands a VIQa (lute), Ak~amala (rosary) and Pustaka (book). Though these are most common, there are several variations. Some of the other objects shown are: Pasa (noose), Ailkusa (goad), Padma (lotus), Trisula (trident), Sailkha (conch), Cakra (discus) and so on. She is usually depicted with water or a river in the background, suggestive of her association with the river Saraswati, and peacock standing nearby.
Though no separate carrier vehicle is mentioned, Harhsa or swan, the vehicle of Brahma, her spouse, is usually associated with her also. In popular mythological literature and pictures, a peacock is also shown as her carrier vehicle.
A book in her left hand represents all areas of secular sciences. Mere intellectual learning, without a heart tempered by higher feelings, sentiments and emotions, is as dry as saw-dust. So she holds a VIQa (lute) on which she actually plays, to show the need for the cultivation of fine-arts. Then there is the Ak~amala (rosary) held in the right hand. This symbolises all spiritual sciences or Yoga including Tapas (austerities), meditation and Japa (repetition of the divine name). By holding the book in the left hand and the rosary in the right hand she is obviously teaching us that spiritual sciences are more important than secular sciences.
The peacock with its beautiful plumage stands for this world in all its glory. Since the attractions of the world lead the spiritual aspirant astray, the peacock cans actually symbolise Avidya (ignorance or nescience). On the other hand the swan, which is supposed to possess the peculiar power of separating milk from water, stands for Viveka (wisdom, discrimination) and hence for Vidya (knowledge). Though it is true that Vidya or Paravidya (spiritual illumination).
The river imagery of Saraswati represents a migration from a world of ignorance or bondage to a shore that represents enlightenment and freedom. This religious quest represents a state of transition or rebirth in which a spiritual pilgrim sloughs off his old self and is born again, free and enlightened.
Goddess Saraswati – Festivals and Vrats
Saraswati’s is remembered on Vasant Panchami (Saraswati’s birthday) is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the fifth day of spring (about February). In Hindi language, the word ” basant / vasant” means ”spring” and ”panchami” means the fifth day.
Hindus celebrate this festival with great fervour in temples, homes and educational institutes alike. It is also celebrated as Shikshapatri Jayanti. On this day, yellow is the predominant color as all are garbed in bright yellow clothes. This has to do with the onset of spring and the blooming of yellow mustard flowers in the fields. There is a great deal of festivity with the flying of colorful kites. This day marks the beginning of the spring season.
Saraswati Mantra
Moola Mantra:
“Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”
OR
“Om Sum Saraswathaye Namah”
Saraswati Gayatri Mantra:
Aum Saraswatye Cha Vidmahe
Brahmaputriye Cha
Dheemahi Tanno Sarasvati Prachodayat”
Saraswati Temples
Shrines dedicated to Saraswati are commonly seen in many Saivite temples all over south India, located to the right of Parvati’s shrine. There are Saraswati temples in Deupatan, Kamalakshi, Thimi, Bhadrakali and Swyambhu, Neel Saraswati at Gairidhara, among others in the Kathmandu Valley. Saraswati Temple in the University of Roorkee. Prthudakeshwara Temples in Pehowa, Haryana. They were built by the Marathas in honour of Saraswati. Saradamba Temple in Sringeri. Sarada Temple in the Neelam Valley in Kashmir. Basar: Situated 50 Kms from Nizamabad at Basara ,on the banks of river Godavari, the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple is the only temple in South India dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. The Vilma Vashi temple in Dilwara is also dedicated to Sarasvati.
SARASWATI THE HINDU GODDESS OF WISDOM
Saraswati the goddess of knowledge, who is praised by the wise, who is the wife of the creator, may she reside on the tip of my tongue.
Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and the arts, embodies the wisdom of Devi. She is the river of consciousness that enlivens creation; she is the dawn-goddess whose rays dispel the darkness of ignorance. Without her there is only chaos and confusion. To realize her one must go beyond the pleasures of the senses and rejoice in the serenity of the spirit.
Saraswati wears neither jewels or paints herself with bright colors. The white sari she adorns reflects her essential purity, her rejection of all that is base and materialistic.
She transcends the cravings of the flesh and rejoices in the powers of the mind as the patron of pure wisdom. She embodies all that is pure and sublime in Nature.
The four Vedas, books of universal knowledge, were her offspring. Her mount, the swan, personifies pure knowledge and her herald, the peacock, is a symbol of the arts.
Schools and libraries are her temples; books, pens, all tools of the artist and musical instruments are the items used in puja to the enlightening goddess of wisdom.
Hindu Goddess Saraswati Bronze Statue
The Birth of Saraswati
In the beginning there was chaos. Everything existed in a formless, fluid state. “How do I bring order to this disorder?” wondered Brahma, the creator. “With Knowledge”, said Devi.
Heralded by a peacock, sacred books in one hand and a veena in the other dressed in white Devi emerged from Brahma’s mouth riding a swan as the goddess Saraswati.
“Knowledge helps man find possibilities where once he saw problems.” Said the goddess. Under her tutelage Brahma acquired the ability to sense, think, comprehend and communicate. He began looking upon chaos with eyes of wisdom and thus saw the beautiful potential that lay therein.
Brahma discovered the melody of mantras in the cacophony of chaos. In his joy he named Saraswati, Vagdevi, goddess of speech and sound.
The sound of mantras filled the universe with vital energy, or prana. Things began to take shape and the cosmos acquired a structure: the sky dotted with stars rose to form the heavens; the sea sank into the abyss below, the earth stood in between.
Gods became lords of the celestial spheres; demons ruled the nether regions, humans walked on earth. The sun rose and set, the moon waxed and waned, the tide flowed and ebbed. Seasons changed, seeds germinated, plants bloomed and withered, animals migrated and reproduced as randomness gave way to the rhythm of life.
Brahma thus became the creator of the world with Saraswati as his wisdom.
Saraswati was the first being to come into Brahma’s world. Brahma began to look upon her with eyes of desire. She turned away saying, “All I offer must be used to elevate the spirit, not indulge the senses.”
Brahma could not control his amorous thoughts and his infatuation for the lovely goddess grew. He continued to stare at Saraswati. He gave himself four heads facing every direction so that he could always be able to feast his eyes on Saraswati’s beauty.
Saraswati moved away from Brahma, first taking the form of a cow. Brahma then followed her as a bull. Saraswati then changed into a mare; Brahma gave chase as a horse. Every time Saraswati turned into a bird or a beast he followed her as the corresponding male equivalent. No matter how hard Brahma tried he could not catch Saraswati in any of her forms.
The goddess with multiple forms came to be known as Shatarupa. She personified material reality, alluring yet fleeting.
Marble Hindu Goddess Saraswati Statue
Saraswati Curses Brahma
Angered by his display of unbridled passion Saraswati cursed Brahma, “You have filled the world with longing that is the seed of unhappiness. You have fettered the soul in the flesh. You are not worthy of reverence. May there be hardly any temple or festival in your name.”
So it came to pass that there are only two temples of Brahma in India; one at Pushkar, Rajistan and the other in Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Undaunted by the curse, Brahma continued to cast his lustful looks upon Saraswati. He gave himself a fifth head to enhance his gaze.
Bhairava, Shiva, Confronts Brahma
Brahma’s action motivated by desire confined consciousness and excited the ego. It disturbed the serenity of the cosmos and roused Shiva, the supreme ascetic from his meditation.
Shiva opened his eyes, sensed Saraswati’s discomfort and in a fit of rage turned into Bhairava, lord of terror. His eyes were red, his growl menacing. He lunged towards Brahma and with his sharp claws, wretched off Brahma’s fifth head. The violence subdued Brahma’s passion.
Bronze Saraswati Statue
Brahma’s cut head seared through Bhairava’s flesh and clung to his hand sapping him of all his strength and driving him mad. The lord of terror ranted and raved losing control of his senses.
Saraswati, pleased with Bhairava’s timely action, rushed to his rescue. With her gentle touch she nursed him like a child, restoring his sanity.
Brahma, sobered by his encounter with the Lord of terror sought an escape from the maze of his own desire. Saraswati revealed to him the doctrine for his own liberation.
Brahma sought to conduct a yagna, fire sacrifice, to cleanse himself and start anew. In order to conduct a yagna ritual the assistance of a wife is needed. Brahma chose Saraswati to be his wife and thus they were reconciled.
Hindu Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati, her Veena and the song of the Gandharva
The Gandharvas were demigods who sprang from the fragrance of flowers. Once they stole the Soma plant whose inebriating and invigorating sap was much sought after by the devas. The theft of the Soma infuriated all the gods.
Saraswati promised to recover the soma plant. She went to the garden of the gandharvas and with her veena created enchanting tunes: the ragas and the raginis.
“Give us this music,” begged the gandharvas.
“Only if you give back the Soma plant to the devas,” said the goddess.
The gandharvas returned the Soma plant and learned how to play music from Saraswati. In time they became celestial musicians whose melodies had more power to rouse the mind than any intoxicant.
Saraswati Outwits a Demon
A demon practiced many austerities to appease Brahma. The demon sought to conquer the three worlds and the gods feared that he may ask a boon that would make him invincible; the gods sought the help of the goddess Saraswati. The goddess sat on the tongue of the demon so that when it was time to ask for a boon all he could say was, “I would like to never stay awake.”
“So be it,” said Brahma.
As a result, the demon wanted to conquer the three worlds ended up going to sleep forever.
Bronze Hindu Goddess Saraswati Statue Seated on Swan
Saraswati, Lakshmi and Brahma
Brahma created the universe with the help of Saraswati. Brahma was the guardian of the cosmos. He too needed Saraswati’s support to sustain the cosmos. Using her knowledge he instituted and maintained dharma, sacred laws that ensure stability and growth in society.
Brahma also needed the help of Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, who gave him the wherewithal to ensure cosmic order.
The question arose: who did Brahma need more? Lakshmi or Saraswati? Wealth or knowledge? The goddesses argued, “Knowledge does not fill an empty stomach.” Said Lakshmi. “Wealth keeps man alive but gives no meaning to life.” Said Saraswati.
“I need both knowledge and wealth to sustain the cosmos. Without knowledge I cannot plan. Without wealth I cannot implement a plan. Wealth sustains life; the arts give value to life. Thus both Lakshmi and Saraswati are needed to live a full life.
Saraswati Saves the World from Shiva’s Third Eye and the Beast of Doom
Shiva was woken from his meditations and looked around to discover a world on the brink of corruption and being unsalvageable. Shiva decided it was time to wipe the slate clean. Shiva, the destroyer, opened his world destroying third eye attempting to destroy the three worlds.. Out came a terrible fire that threatened all existence.
There was panic everywhere. Saraswati calmly stated, “Do not worry. Shiva’s fire burns only that which is impure and corrupt.”;
She took the form of a river and with her pure waters picked up the dreaded fire from Shiva Badavagni – the beast of doom.
“So long as the world is pure and man wise, this terrible creature will remain on the bottom of the sea. When wisdom is abandoned and man corrupts the world, Badavagni will emerge and destroy the universe,” foretold the wise goddess.
MAA SARASWATI STORY: THE HINDU GODDESS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ARTS
The goddess’ female trinity is symbolized by Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Kali, who collaborate with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to create and uphold the universe. Goddess Saraswati idol is the Deity of speech, teaching, speech, art, and music, as well as the creator. The Sanskrit word for Saraswati, which translates to “flowing water,” denotes the way in which human beings’ thoughts are allowed to circulate and are motivated to take action.
She is the flow of consciousness that breathes life into the universe. She is the deity of dawn who refutes ignorance’s gloom. As well as these names, she is also referred to as Bharati, Shatarupa, Vedamata, Brahmi, Sarada, Vagisvari, and Putkari. She is revered not only by Hindus, but also by Jains and Buddhists. She is referred to as Saraswati in northern India and Saraswathi in the south. China, Japan, Burma, Thailand, and other nations worship and revere her in addition to India.
Who is Maa Saraswati?
Since sara means “essence” and swa means “self” in Sanskrit, Saraswati’s literal meaning is “the essence of the self.” She is viewed as a river, a Vak (speech), and a goddess. Saraswati is thought of as a river goddess in early Hinduism who is connected to the Saraswati River. Because it nourishes the land and fosters fertility, the River Saraswati is regarded as the most feared river in existence at the time, comparable to the Ganga. The purity of the River Saraswati is also symbolized by the cleansing power of flowing water. The River Saraswati is said to bestow both good health and long life, according to the Rig Veda.
Saraswati is present everywhere there is speech because speech is an embodiment. Because speech or language is the source of poetry, Saraswati’s role as the goodness associated with poetic inspiration, oratory, learning, and art becomes more popular and reiterated, while her role as River Saraswati becomes less popular and asserted. She later identified Brahma, the God of creation, as his divine consort because speech is connected to the creative power. In addition to being a representation of Brahma’s shakti, Saraswati also stands for the creative force of Brahma and is essential for the operation of Brahma’s power.
She is linked to Vak, the goddess of speech, and is even equated with her later in the Vedic Period. In Hinduism, the value of speech has historically been known. According to the Vedas, the simple mantra OM, that represents the sound of creation, creates Brahman, the spiritual reality at the center of all things. As a result, speech is regarded as the primary power and the source of creation. Speech is also important in Hinduism for invoking deity powers. Reciting and repeating a mantra of a particular deity summons the deity. Saraswati, Goddess of Speech, embodies the power of sound.
What does Maa Saraswati symbolize?
With four arms, a veena, the Vedas, and a kamandalu, Goddess Saraswati is recognisable as a stunning yet stern deity. She is donning a white sari with a blue border, signifying purity. She might be seated on a lotus flower, have a crescent on her forehead, and be accompanied by a swan, both of which are representations of wisdom.
White, which stands for the purity of real knowledge, is the color most frequently associated with maa Saraswati. She is occasionally linked to the color yellow, though, which is the hue of the mustard plant’s flowers, which bloom during her festival in the spring. Saraswati is depicted as having very modest clothing, perhaps signifying her preference for knowledge over earthly material interests.
A peacock is sometimes depicted alongside the goddess. By using a peacock as her mount, the Goddess demonstrates to Hindus that they should not be concerned with outward appearance and should instead be wise in light of the eternal truth. The peacock is a symbol of arrogance and pride over its beauty.
She commonly has a white swan by her feet. According to legend, the sacred swan can only drink milk when given a mixture of water and milk. Thus, the swan represents separating the good from the evil or the transcendent from the transient. Goddess Saraswati is also known as Hamsa-Vahini, which is Sanskrit for “she who has a swan as her vehicle,” due to her connection to the swan.
Why is Maa Saraswati called the Goddess of Wisdom, Education, and the Arts?
Because of her creative abilities, Saraswati is now primarily revered as the deity of knowledge. This is because of her connection with the Omnipotent truth and the true knowledge as a result of her role as the Vak. As the goddess Saraswati, she is still revered more than Brahma today and has continued to hold significance. Saraswati is frequently worshiped by those with an interest in knowledge, particularly students, scholars, and scientists. Many Indian academic institutions, such as universities, have statues of Saraswati throughout their campuses as a source of motivation for students and scholars. At Vasant Panchami, which falls on the fifth day of the Indian lunar calendar’s bright fortnight of Magha, Saraswati is especially honored in schools.
Buddhism and Hinduism have long been intertwined in Buddhist cultures such as Nepal, Tibet, Indonesia, and Thailand. Saraswati is also revered by the Newar Buddhists of Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley as the consort of the Bodhisattva Manjushree, with the two of them occasionally changing roles during prayers and other rituals of worship. In Kathmandu, it is therefore common to see a Saraswati statue next to a Buddha statue or a shrine.
Saraswati is frequently represented in Hindu art as a graceful young woman with white skin. She usually appears to be wearing a white sari with a blue border which symbolizes purity. She rarely wears jewelry because she doesn’t care about material possessions. She might be sitting on a lotus flower with a crescent on her forehead. She may also be portrayed driving a swan or a goose as her vehicle. The goddess, who is frequently depicted in temple sculpture, may be accompanied by her husband or a peacock, her classical assistant. Saraswati is frequently portrayed as having four arms, each of which is holding a symbolic object, as are many Hindu deities.
What are the stories of Goddess Saraswati?
Hindu mythology states that after Lord Brahma created the cosmos, there was a great total chaos that ruled the cosmos. Brahma, however, was perplexed by the fact that his heavenly universe lacked any kind of structure, conception, or arrangement. He made the embodiment of knowledge and creativity. Out of His mouth the Goddess Saraswati appeared.
Then, under specific orders, all the celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, were formed. The seasons began to change on a cyclical basis as the oceans grew. The goddess of speech and sound was given the ecstatic name Vagdevi by Brahma. Brahma endowed the universe with the goddess Saraswati’s everlasting well about knowledge in this manner.
In Hindu scripture, there are several legendary tales about Saraswati Devi.
– Her father Brahma was so enamored by Saraswati’s radiant beauty and astute intellect that He was resolved to wed His own daughter. Saraswati was enraged by Brahma’s obsessive adoration of His daughter, however, to the point where she became anxious to avoid the envious gaze of her father. She was going out from Brahma’s line of sight. However, Brahma fashioned three additional visages to simultaneously cover all four corners of His eyesight, rendering all of her attempts ineffective.
A southern face with pallid cheeks, a western face with trembling lips, and a fourth with passionate beauty all appeared to satisfy the urge to admire the erotic beauty of His daughter. Saraswati later disguised herself as several animals. However, Brahma pursued Her while disguising Himself as those animals’ male equivalents. Saraswati flew high into the heavens after being unable to find another way to avoid His filthy stares. With a neck long enough to penetrate the heavens and pursue Saraswati with His lusty eye, Brahma next produced the fifth head that lies atop. The goddess was furious at this point and cursed Her father for his show of unrestrained love, which had caused the earth to become overtaken by lust and longing, planted the seeds of sadness, and imprisoned the soul in a cage made of flesh and blood. She chastised Lord Brahma for not being respected and worshiped like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Lord Brahma, on the other hand, lost sight of His responsibility to establish order and discipline in the creation as a result of fully expressing His concupiscent nature. The cosmos began to descend once more into chaos. Then Lord Shiva appeared as the Lord of Destruction, Bhairava, and severed His fifth head. While acknowledging his error, Lord Brahma also expressed regret.
It was necessary to do a “Yagna” in order to purify His wicked nature. However, the “Yagna” would be useless without a wife. To ensure the universe’s safety, Goddess Saraswati was then persuaded to marry Brahma. But in order to calm the uproar brought on by the pervading confusion, Goddess Saraswati picked up Her veena and played peaceful music, resonating it through the air.
Another mythical story, on the other hand, gives a different story. Misunderstanding led to the curse that Goddess Saraswati cast on Lord Brahma.
– Lord Brahma was awaiting the arrival of his wife Saraswati before beginning a significant religious event. The ceremonial ceremony’s fortunate moment to be performed was getting extremely close.
Then a new consort called Gayatri was made by the gods’ favor. The incarnation of the well-known Gayatri Mantra, a chant from Vedic literature, is Gayatri, who is frequently connected with Savitr, a sun deity in the Vedas. Being furious, Goddess Saraswati cursed Brahma that he would not be worshiped on earth after spotting her husband with some other woman. The curse was carried out. There are just two Brahma temples in our nation, one in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, and the other in Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Worship and Rituals
The meanings of Saraswati’s name—”elegant,” “flowing,” and “watery”—indicate that she was one of the first Aryan boundary rivers. The Saraswati River originates in the Himalaya, just like the Ganges River, and is revered as a sacred source of fertility, good fortune, and purification for those who take a bath in her waters. The holy river then evolved into a personified deity, much like the Ganges.
The goddess celebrates her own holidays, including the Saraswati Puja, which takes place on the first day of spring. Worshipers dress in yellow during the festival because it symbolizes prosperity and wisdom. Additionally, devotees pray for blessings on their writing instruments, books, and musical instruments, and goddess statues are covered in yellow silk. During the festival, children are taught how to start writing for the first time, ancestors are revered, and Brahmin priests are fed fine food. During the nationwide celebration of Navratri, Saraswati mata is revered alongside other important goddesses. She is frequently invoked by musicians before performances as the patroness of music, and by students before tests as the goddess of intellectual pursuits.
When is Maa Saraswati puja?
The festival of Saraswati Puja, also called “Basant Panchami,” serves as a reminder that spring, the queen of all seasons. On the fifth day of the Hindu calendar’s Magha month, the Saraswati Puja is held. According to the Hindu calendar, this day is commemorated in various ways on the fifth day of the Phalgun month throughout India’s various regions. Hindus worship the goddess Saraswati on this day because she is the goddess of wisdom of education, language, and all forms of the arts. The beginning of your children’s educational journey is thought to be a holy time during this occasion.
How to do Maa Saraswati puja at home?
In order to receive the blessings of the goddess Saraswati, Saraswati Puja is performed. According to legend, she was Lord Brahma’s consort and he used her wisdom to create the universe. She has a peacock perched on her side and is seated on a swan. In her hands, she holds a saraswati Veena. The rituals for performing Saraswati Puja are listed below.
– In your Puja room, display an image of the Goddess Saraswati or Lakshmi Ganesh Saraswati idols. The idol must be positioned so that it faces west, allowing you to face east when you pray.
– Set a few of your important books, as well as the holy texts Geeta and the Ramayana, by her side.
– Light a Diya before the statue or Saraswati images.
– Deliver the Goddess with offerings of sandalwood paste, new cloth, turmeric, Kumkum, fruits, sweets, grains of rice, betel leaves, and flowers.
– Before a Saraswati photo or idol, the saraswati mantras are recited, and the ritual of saraswati aarti is carried out with devotion.
– In contrast to professionals who strive for excellence and personal advancement, students typically pray for success on exams and ultimately in life.
– Along with parched rice and paddy, the food prepared on this day includes kheer, curd rice, sugar cane, sugar candy, and gingelly balls. It is offered to the Goddess and then consumed by the entire family as prasad.
Goddess Saraswati – The Goddess of Knowledge and Music
Goddess Saraswati (aka Sharada) is a Hindu Vedic goddess of education, music, knowledge, and arts. She is one of the major Hindu goddesses and is the wife of Lord Brahma. She is mentioned in the third hymn of the Rigveda. Saraswati Purana is a minor Purana dedicated to her.
Meaning of the Word Saraswati:
The word Saraswati has different meanings.
1. It comprises two words Saras and Vati. Saras means a lake or a large water body, and Vati means the female who holds. Therefore, Saraswati means the holder of a large water body. This is the most widely accepted meaning as Saraswati is the name of a river also2. Another meaning of the word Saras is speech. Therefore, Saraswati means the “goddess of speech”.
3. Per another definition, the word Saraswati comprises three words, viz. Sara, Swa, and Vati, which means “Essence of the Self”.
There are many other meanings of the word.
Names of Goddess Saraswati:
There are more than 1000 names of Goddess Saraswati. Following are some of her most popular names:
1. Sharada.
2. Bharati.
3. Brahmi.
4. Hanswavahini.
5. Jagatikhyata.
6. Vagishwari.
7. Kaumari.
8. Brahmacharini.
9. Buddhidatri.
10. Varadayini.
11. Kshudraghanta.
12. Bhuwaneshwari.
Origin:
Maa Saraswati is first mentioned in the third hymn of the Rig Veda, which is dedicated to Ashwins. In total, she is mentioned around 50 times in the Rig Veda. Saraswati Sukhtam (RV 6.61) is a hymn dedicated to her.
Birth of Goddess Saraswati:
There are different stories about her birth.
1. Goddess Saraswati was not born through natural birth. According to the Puranas, she was born from the limb (thigh) of Lord Brahma. In modern terms, she was born using genetic engineering.
2. Per the Brahmanda Purana (Ch. 43), she is a mind-borne daughter of Lord Brahma.
Lord Brahma got ready for creation, and while in meditation sattvaguṇa (sublime quality) began swelling up in his mind wherefrom a girl was born. Brahma asked her who she was. She answered: “I am born from you. You fix for me a seat and duties.” Then Brahmā told her that her name was Sarasvatī and ordained that she should stay on the tip of everybody’s tongue. “You dance especially on the tongues of learned people. You should also exist on Earth in the form of a river, and assuming a third form you should live in me too.” Sarasvatī agreed to this.
Stories about Maa Saraswati:
Saraswati and Kumbhakarna:
Kumbhakarna was a gigantic demon who was the brother of Ravana. Once he performed penance to please Lord Brahma because he wanted the throne of Indra. But before he got any boon from Lord Brahma, worried Indra approached him and asked him not to give Kumbhakarna any such boon, but Lord Brahma expressed his helplessness in this matter.
Therefore, Indra approached Goddess Saraswati and asked for her help. When Kumbhakarna finished his penance and was about to ask for Indrasana (the throne of Indra), Goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of speech, altered his speech, and he asked for Nidrasana (the throne of sleep) instead. Lord Brahma immediately granted his boon.
But Kumbhakarna understood his mistake and requested Lord Brahma to alter his boon. Therefore, Lord Brahma gave him a boon of sleeping for six months instead of sleeping all the time.
Thus, Maa Saraswati helped gods save heaven from demons.
Why Did Goddess Saraswati Become A River?
This story is mentioned in the Skanda Purana as well as the Padma Purana. Once, a fierce fight broke out between Bhargawas (a Brahmin group) and Heyas (a Kshatriya group). From their battle, a fire called Vadavagni was born, which could destroy the world. When gods approached Lord Shiva to save the world, he advised them to go to Maa Saraswati and request her to become a river and carry the Vadavagni into the ocean. When the gods requested her to do so, she agreed to do it on one condition that Lord Brahma would tell her to do so. When gods requested Lord Brahma to tell Goddess Saraswati to become a river, he agreed and told her to do so. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati became a river and carried Vadagni into the ocean.
Per another version of the story, once Lord Shiva saw that the world was filled with evil. So, he opened his third eye to cleanse it. Then, Goddess Saraswati took the form of a river and absorbed the fire. She carried it into the ocean where the fire took the form of a creature Vadavagni. Goddess Saraswati declared, “As long as man is wise, the animal will remain here, but if humans become corrupt, this beast will destroy the world.”
Maa Saraswati Cursed Lord Brahma:
Once Lord Brahma had arranged an important yajna, which needed his wife to accompany him, but could not start the ritual because Goddess Saraswati had not arrived yet. Therefore, he consulted with gods, who told him to create another wife for him. Therefore, he created Goddess Gayatri and completed the ceremony with her.
When Goddess Saraswati arrived at the scene, she could not control her anger after seeing the second wife of her husband and cursed Lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped by humans.
Goddess Saraswati Cursed Goddess Lakshmi:
According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu had three wives, viz. Lakshmi, Ganga, and Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati doubted that Lord Vishnu loved Ganga more than her. So, she said some harsh words to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu left the place not to escalate the matter. Then, she asked Ganga to stay away from Lord Vishnu and then the quarrel between Saraswati and Ganga began.
When Lakshmi returned, she tried to pacify Saraswati, but she thought that Lakshmi was taking the side of Ganga and cursed her to be born as a plant and flow as a river.
Seeing this, Ganga got angry and cursed Goddess Saraswati that she would be separated from Lord Vishnu and would flow as a river on the Earth.
Only Goddess Lakshmi remained silent and did not curse anyone.
Iconography:
Goddess Saraswati is generally depicted as a beautiful fair-skinned woman wearing a white saree and sitting on a swan (sometimes on a lotus). In some images, she is accompanied by a peacock. She has four hands. In her front two hands, she holds a Veena (a stringed musical instrument). In her rear right hand, she holds a rosary bead and a book in her rear left hand. She wears a few golden ornaments, like a crown, necklaces, bangles, etc.
Carrier of Maa Saraswati:
A swan is the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati. Therefore, she is also called Hamsavahini. It is believed that a swan can separate milk from water symbolizing its power to discern between good and evil. It also symbolizes wisdom, grace, and beauty.
Sometimes a peacock is seen with Goddess Saraswati, but it is not her vehicle. It symbolizes an unstable mind.
Why is Goddess Saraswati Always Wearing A White Saree?
The color white is a symbol of purity and wisdom. Maa Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom. Therefore, she is generally depicted wearing a white saree.
Brahma and Saraswati:
The relationship between Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati is one of the most controversial subjects in Hinduism because she is his daughter as well as his wife.
According to the Matsya Purana, Goddess Saraswati was born from the limb of Lord Brahma; hence, she is his daughter. But she was so beautiful that he lost his control and started looking at her with lust. To hide away from his amorous glances, she moved to his right side, but he grew another head and continued staring at her. Then she moved to the other two sides, but he grew two more heads. As a last resort, she leaped into the sky, but Lord Brahma grew the fifth head looking at her. Therefore, left with no choice, she agreed to marry him and became his wife.
But per some other religious texts, Maa Saraswati was first the wife of Lord Vishnu and later became the wife of Lord Brahma.
Husband of Maa Saraswati:
The most widely accepted notion is Goddess Saraswati is the daughter as well as the wife of Lord Brahma, but some other religious texts describe different stories. According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana (9.6.17), Ganga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi were wives of Lord Vishnu.
Narayana says: O Naarada! Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganga, are Three Wives of Hari Vishnu,
But because of their quarrels (as mentioned above), Lord Vishnu sent Ganga to Lord Shiva and Goddess Saraswati to Lord Brahma. This story of sending one’s wife to be the wife of someone else seems less likely. Even ordinary Hindu women were not allowed to have more than one husband in ancient times. Hence, it is unlikely for a goddess to have two husbands.
Therefore, we can say that Lord Brahma is the only husband of Goddess Saraswati.
Sons of Goddess Saraswati:
Per the Puranas, Maa Saraswati has two sons, viz. Manu and Sage Sarasvata.
1. Lord Brahma and Saraswati gave birth to Manu, the father of mankind.
2. Sage Sarasvata was the son of Sage Dadhichi and Goddess Saraswati. Once Sage Dadhich was performing penance. Indra felt insecure about his throne and sent an Apsara named Alambusha to interrupt his austerity. By seeing the mystical dance of the Apsara, Dadhichi had a seminal discharge and his semen fell into the river Saraswati. Then Saraswati gave birth to a son named Sarasvata.
In Other Cultures:
Goddess Saraswati is not only worshipped in India but also in Nepal, Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Tibet, Myanmar, and other countries. She is known by different names there. In Jainism, she is known as Srutadevata, Sharada, and Vagisvari. In Tantric Buddhism, she is a goddess of literature, poetry, and wisdom.
Saraswati Vandana:
Saraswati Vandana is a short and beautiful Sanskrit prayer in which the goddess Saraswati is highly praised. It contains a depiction of what she is wearing, like a white saree, ornaments, the musical instrument she is carrying, etc. In the end, the devotee requests her to protect him/her.
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ।
या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभृतिभिर्देवैस्सदा वन्दिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती नि:शेषजाड्यापहा ॥
Meaning:
Who is pure white like Jasmine, with the coolness of Moon, the brightness of Snow and shines like the garland of Pearls,
Who is covered with pure white garments,
Whose hands are adorned with Veena (a stringed musical instrument) and the boon-giving staff; and Who is seated on a pure white Lotus,
Who is always adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and other gods,
O Goddess Saraswati, please protect me and remove my ignorance completely.
Saraswati Mantra:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं सरस्वत्यै नमः।।
Om Shreem Rheem Saraswatyai Namah.
Saraswati Puja:
Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu month Magha. The festival marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on this day; hence, it is also known as Saraswati Jayanti.
The Goddess Saraswati, Patron of Knowledge and Arts
Fittingly, the goddess Saraswati was originally associated with an ancient river that was also called Saraswati. In the Vedas, the river Saraswati was not only mentioned far more often than any other significant body of water but it was also the most revered. With regard to Saraswati as “she who possesses speech”, it is said that Saraswati is the inventor of the Sanskrit language.
A truly significant goddess, Saraswati is one-third of the Hindu Trivedi, which is the feminine counterpart of the Trimurti, which is comprised of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Along with Saraswati, the two other members that make up the Trivedi are Lakshmi and Parvati. Together, the three goddesses of the Trivedi along with the three gods of the Trimurti are believed to be responsible for creating, maintaining, and regenerating the universe.
Saraswati is especially worshipped before the Spring season, from January to February. During this time, icons of Saraswati are brought out and worshippers take part in a jubilant procession. On the fifth day of Spring, Hindus likewise celebrate the Vasant Panchami festival, also known as Saraswati Jayanti and Saraswati Puja. In honour of Saraswati, the day is commemorated by teaching young children to write the letters of the alphabet.
However, special devotion to Saraswati is not reserved for just the early months of the year. As the goddess of the arts, music, speech and learning, she is regularly worshipped all throughout the year. She is especially invoked by students during examinations, as well as by artists and performers before shows or productions. Many Hindus pay special devotion to Saraswati to aid them in their special intentions. Saraswati is also related to anuraga, which is understood to be the love for the rhythm of music and is said to represent all the emotions and feelings that are expressed through both song and speech.
As one can expect, considering Saraswati’s history as the goddess of water, she is often portrayed as a beautiful woman next to a body of water such as a flowing river. In terms of her own physical embodiment, Saraswati is frequently depicted as having four arms and holding four objects that have particular significance in Hinduism. The first of the four objects is a pustaka, which is a book or script that represents the Vedas and is a symbolism for its universal truth, divine knowledge and all forms of learning. The second object is a mala, which is a rosary or garland. This serves as a symbol of the power of meditation and spirituality. The third item held by Saraswati is a pot of water. The pot of water is meant to represent purification, a separation of the clean from the unclean, and the distinction of right from wrong. According to some, the pot of water is also a symbol for soma, which is a drink that liberates and leads to enlightenment or knowledge. Last but not least, the fourth item that Saraswati holds is a Veena, which is a musical instrument. The veena is perhaps the most widely recognized icon associated with Saraswati. It signifies all the creative arts, as well as the sciences. It is said that Saraswati holding the Veena, in particular, represents the expression of knowledge that leads to harmony.
In addition to the symbolic items in Saraswati’s possession, she is also portrayed dressed in white while seated on a white lotus. The colour white is meant to represent Sattwa Guna or purity and wisdom. The colour is the complete antithesis of black and the darkness that comes with ignorance. Saraswati is also never portrayed as being heavily adorned with lavish jewels as she rejects worldly desires and instead, represents simplicity and elegance. Rather than being decorated with expensive jewels, Saraswati holds priceless objects in her hands.
Another element in Saraswati’s iconography is a hamsa, which is a swan or goose, that is positioned close to her feet. In other depictions, Saraswati is seen riding the white swan or goose. The hamsa is a sacred bird in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be able to distinguish good from evil and is also a symbol for moksha or spiritual perfection. As a goddess associated with the sacred swan, Saraswati is also sometimes called Hamsavahini, which translates to “she who has a hamsa as her vehicle”.
The goddess Saraswati appears in numerous forms, having many different avatars. She is not only known as the goddess of knowledge but is also referred to as Brahmavidya, which means the goddess of the wisdom of ultimate truth. Her other avatar includes Mahakali, in which Saraswati is the destroyer of ignorance and ego. Mahakali eradicates the darkness that is said to surround the minds of the unlearned. She also comes in the form of Gayatri, which is the embodiment of the sacred Vedas, Vidhyalakshmi, who provides one with wealth according to one’s skill, and Vidhya, which is the amorphous concept of wisdom and knowledge.
One major difference of Saraswati from all other gods and goddess is that she has chosen not to bear any children. Unlike most goddesses, she is not a mother and not depicted with any children. This distinction underscores Saraswati as a symbol of independence, singularity and individual thought. One could say that Saraswati especially represents the modern woman’s quest for personal identity and independence.
The goddess Saraswati was not only significant during the Vedic period. She is among the Hindu gods and goddesses that remain significant and revered in today’s modern times.
SARASWATI – HINDU GODDESS OF KNOWLEDGE, MUSIC AND THE ARTS
Saraswati is the beloved Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. In Buddhism, she is a guardian deity who upholds the teachings of Gautama Buddha. In Burma she is called Thurathadi or Tipitaka Medaw, in China her name is Biàncáitiān, in Thai, Surasawadee and in Japanese, Benzaiten.
Her name, which derives from two words, “saras” (meaning “flow”) and “wati” (meaning “a woman”), gives clues as to her origin. Ten thousand years ago, a mighty river flowed, three to ten kilometers wide at its largest point. Called the Saraswati by those who lived along its banks (and now known to geologists as the Ghaggar-Hakra River), it carried glacial water from the Himalayas through the plains of northwest India and probably ended in a series of large lakes within the Thar Desert, its water only reaching the sea in very wet rainy seasons. Many significant archaeological sites have been excavated along its course-way, indicating that the river played a vital part in the development of the Indus Valley civilisation. However, the Saraswati began to dry up during the Harappan and Late Harappan phases, as evidenced by the abandonment of many settlements, disappearing completely around 1900 BCE. This probably occurred due to the capture of its tributaries by the Indus and Yamuna River systems and the loss of water in much of its catchment area, caused by deforestation, overgrazing and irrigation.
To the people who lived along her banks, the goddess Saraswati was originally a personification of the river itself. As its waters began to fail and the Harappa settlements shifted eastward towards the mighty Indus Valley, Saraswati began to lose her status as a river goddess and became increasingly associated with literature, the arts and music. As centuries passed, she grew further to embody the concepts of intelligence, consciousness, knowledge, creativity, education, enlightenment and power. This embodiment of everything associated with refinement and culture points to her importance in the founding of an independent civilisation that has endured for thousands of years.
Today Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful, light-skinned woman dressed in white, signifying the purity of true knowledge. She may be depicted near a flowing river, relating to her early history as a river goddess. Her mount is the swan, symbolising her ability to discriminate between good and bad; however she is more often pictured seated on a white Nelumbo nucifera lotus, indicating her association with Absolute Truth and with enduring purity. Occasionally she is associated with the colour yellow, the colour of the mustard plant flowers that bloom at the time of her festival in the spring. She is dressed modestly without ornaments or jewels, representing her preference for knowledge over material things. Her consort is Brahma.
Saraswati has four arms, representing the four aspects of human personality in learning: the mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. These four arms also represent the 4 Vedas (the sacred books of the Hindu faith), which in turn represent the 3 forms of literature, poetry, prose and music. She holds in her hands a book (prose), a rosary of crystal beads (poetry) and a vina (music). Her final hand holds a pot of sacred water, which represents the purity of these three arts and their power to purify human thought.
Saraswati: The Vedic Goddess of Knowledge and Arts
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and nature, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants directed to her, called the ‘Saraswati Vandana’ often begin and end Vedic lessons.
Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom, and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. In visual representations, she has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus, the symbol of true knowledge, in the opposite hand.
The Symbolism of Saraswati
With her other two hands, Saraswati plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the veena. She is dressed in white—the symbol of purity—and rides on a white swan, symbolizing Sattwa Guna (purity and discrimination). Saraswati is also a prominent figure in Buddhist iconography—the consort of Manjushri.
Learned and the erudite individuals attach great importance to the worship of goddess Saraswati as a representation of knowledge and wisdom. They believe that only Saraswati can grant them moksha—the final liberation of the soul.
Vasant Panchami
Saraswati’s birthday, Vasant Panchami, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha. Hindus celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm in temples, homes and educational institutes alike. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day. All Hindu educational institutions conduct special prayer for Saraswati on this day.
Saraswati Mantra
The following popular pranam mantra, or Sanskrit prayer, is uttered by utmost devotion by Saraswati devotees as they eulogize the goddess of knowledge and arts:
Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney |
Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey ||
Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey |
Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey ||
The beautiful human form of Saraswati comes to the fore in this English translation of the Saraswati hymn:
“May Goddess Saraswati,
who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon,
and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops;
who is adorned in radiant white attire,
on whose beautiful arm rests the veena,
and whose throne is a white lotus;
who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me.
May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.”
What is the “Curse of Saraswati”?
When education and artistic skill becomes too extensive, it can lead to great success, which is equated with Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and beauty.
As mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik notes:
“With success comes Lakshmi: fame and fortune. Then the artiste turns into a performer, performing for more fame and fortune and so forgets Saraswati, goddess of knowledge. Thus Lakshmi overshadows Saraswati. Saraswati is reduced to Vidya-lakshmi, who turns knowledge into vocation, a tool for fame and fortune.”
The Curse of Saraswati, then, is the tendency of the human ego to drift away from the purity of the original devotion to education and wisdom, and toward the worship of success and wealth.
Saraswati, the Ancient Indian River
Saraswati is also the name of a major river of ancient India. The Har-ki-dun glacier flowing from the Himalayas produced the Saraswati’s tributaries, Shatadru (Sutlej) from Mount Kailas, Drishadvati from Siwalik Hills and the Yamuna. The Saraswati then flowed into the Arabian Sea at the Great Rann delta.
By about 1500 B.C. the Saraswati River had dried up in places, and by the late Vedic Period, the Saraswati ceased to flow entirely.
Why Goddess Saraswati Cursed Brahma? The History Behind the Tale
Hindu religion is full of rituals, traditions, and mythological tales. There are many unheard stories present in religion yet. One such is a tale that has a reason what happened between Saraswati and Brahma that She cursed Him? Also, there are many temples in India. The number would be in lakhs or crores still there are only two temples of Lord Brahma. Why? Here’s the answer Why Goddess Saraswati cursed Brahma.
The real meaning of Saraswati
The goddess of education, wisdom, and excellence, Goddess Saraswati is a Hindu goddess. Saraswati came from the word ‘sales’ and ‘wati’. Saras means to flow, wati means the one having i.e. she, who has flow or essence. Goddess Saraswati is a symbol of knowledge, its flow is like a river. Also, knowledge is supremely alluring, like a beautiful woman. She is depicted as a beautiful fair Lordess having four arms and wearing a spotless white saree, seated on a white lotus. The four arms of Goddess Saraswati depicts four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, alertness, intellect, and ego. In addition, these four arms are also symbolic of the four Vedas, the religious scriptures of Hindus.
Origins of Existence
According to Hindu holy texts, the origin of Lordess Saraswati is also significant in the balance and creation of the world. As per the holy texts, after creating the world, Lord Brahma looked at what He has made. He realized that the world was the unformed and utterly lacking concept. Therefore, God Brahma created an embodiment of knowledge to help him with this monumental task of creating form. Hence, from this mouth, originated the goddess of wisdom and knowledge- Goddess Saraswati. She emerged from Brahma and helped Him in creating cosmos, the Sun, the Stars, and the Moon. However, later she became the bride of Brahma, and today we can see the matching order They created.
Lord Brahma was captivated by the beauty of Goddess Saraswati and decided to make Her, His. She hid in the form of a cow while Brahma followed Her in the form bull. However, God was still unsuccessful and had amorous thoughts. These thoughts distributed the serenity of the cosmos and created Lord Shiva. Shiva opened His eyes, sensed Lordess Saraswati’s discomfort and taking the form of Bhairava, wretched off Brahma’s fifth head. After this incident, Brahma conducted a yagna, fire sacrifice, to cleanse and purify Himself. However, for this fire sacrifice, He needed the assistance of a wife. Then, Lord Brahma chose Goddess Saraswati to be His wife and thus they were reconciled.
Significance of Saraswati
Lordess Saraswati never jewels or paints herself with bright colors. Her white saree is symbolic of purity and serenity. Mother Saraswati has embodied a hat that is pure and sublime in nature. The Vedas- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda, and Atharvaveda were Her offsprings. She is also a part of Trinity i.e. Tridevies- Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. All three forms helped Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to create and maintain this world.
The rebellious side
Once Lordess Saraswati arrived late at the vital Yajna that was being performed by Her consort- Brahma. The yajna had a ritual that it couldn’t be performed without in the absence of wife. By the time, She arrived, Saraswati got to know that Brahma had already married Gayatri to complete the ritual. She got angry and cursed Brahma before stomping off.
Goddess Saraswati cursed Brahma
Lordess Saraswati was quite angry after the above incident and cursed Lord Brahma. She said ‘ You have filled the world with longing and bowed the seed of unhappiness. You have fettered a pious soul in flesh. May there hardly be any temple or any festival of yours.” So, due to this curse, there are only two popular temples of Lord Brahma, one in Pushkar, Rajasthan, and the other one in Tamil Nadu.
Saraswati
Characteristics : Knowledge
Other Names : Vaagdevi, Sharda
Consort : Lord Brahma
Vehicle (Vahana) : Swan
Mula Mantra : “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah” OR
“Om Sum Saraswathaye Namah”
Saraswati Gayatri Mantra: Aum Saraswatye Cha Vidmahe
Brahmaputriye Cha
Dheemahi Tanno Saraswati Prachodayat
Hindu Goddess Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Goddess Saraswati is said to possess the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Saraswati is regarded as the dispeller of chaos and confusion.
Saraswati – the Consort of Brahma
Lord Brahma is known for creating the universe. Since knowledge is required for creation, Maa Saraswati signifies the creative power of Brahma. An apt creation requires sound knowledge. The creation of Lord Brahma became fruitful with the knowledge provided by Goddess Saraswati.
Maa Saraswati – The Image
Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with yellow skin dressed in a pure white saree. Saraswati is portrayed sitting on a white lotus with veena (a musical instrument) in her hands. The book in her hand signifies the eternal and universal knowledge as well her perfection of the scriptures. Lotus symbolizes the supreme reality and it suggests that the goddess herself is rooted in the supreme reality.
The color white represents purity and her rejection of everything that is base and materialistic. The Swan represents the discrimination between the evil and the good, the eternal and the transitory. The four arms of the goddess suggest the four aspects of human personality i.e. mind, intellect, vigilance, and ego. The pearl string represents the power of spirituality. The peacock standing near Maa Saraswati represents arrogance and pride over its beauty. The Goddess teaches that physical appearance could be deceptive, by not taking peacock as the vehicle. Goddess Saraswati suggests that one should be wise regarding the eternal truth.
Saraswati – Bestower of Knowledge
Musical instruments, books, speech, knowledge, intellect are regarded as symbols of Saraswati. Saraswati is believed to be the provider of knowledge that dispels ignorance and unhappiness. Saraswati is worshipped by seekers of knowledge especially students, scholars and scientists.
Basant Panchami
Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival of spring is celebrated with full vivacity and joy amongst the Hindu people. In Hindi language, the word ” basant / vasant” means ”spring” and ”panchami” means the fifth day. In short, Basant Panchami is celebrated as the fifth day of Spring Season.