Saraswati is a revered Hindu goddess associated with learning, wisdom, music, and aesthetics. She has been known by various other names such as Bharati (eloquence), Shatarupa (existence), Vedamata (mother of the Vedas), Brahmi, Sarada, Vagisvari, and Putkari.
In Rigveda, she is referred to as Vac, which stands for the goddess of speech. With Ganesha being gifted a pen and ink by her, Saraswati is often seen as the inventor of Sanskrit. Being a patron of arts and sciences, she is also venerated as Brahma's wife. Some Bengal Vaisnavas believe her to be married to Vishnu. Furthermore, Jainism reveres her as the goddess of knowledge while some Buddhist sects worship her too.
The name Saraswati means elegant, flowing, and watery, which indicates her status as an early Aryan boundary river. Like the Ganges River, the Saraswati River flows from the Himalayas. Saraswati River is regarded as a sacred source of purification, fertility, and good fortune for those who take part in it. Like the Ganges, the sacred river then became personified.
Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) is held on the first day of spring. Believers wear yellow, a color signifying wisdom and prosperity, statutes of the goddess are draped in yellow silk. Devotees offer prayers to her for blessings on their pens, books, and instruments, while children learn to write for the first time during this festival. Brahmin priests receive lavish offerings of food. Additionally, Saraswati is worshipped alongside other major goddesses during Navaratri. Musicians often invoke her before concerts as she is seen as the patroness of music; similarly, students turn to her before exams as a symbol of intellectual pursuits.
To celebrate Vasant Panchami, wake up early, clean up your house and puja area, and take a bath to perform Saraswati Puja rituals. Since yellow is the favorite color of goddess Saraswati, apply a paste of Neem and Turmeric all over your body.
Her depiction in Hindu art usually depicts her as a graceful young woman with white skin. It is common for Saraswati to wear a white sari (which symbolizes purity) with a blue border. Since she is not interested in worldly goods, she rarely wears jewelry. She is seated on a lotus flower, have a crescent on her forehead, or ride a swan or goose as her vehicle (vahana).
In Hindu scriptures and figure sculptures on temples, Saraswati is frequently represented with her husband or a peacock. She has four arms, each of which symbolizes something. Her left hands hold a palm-leaf manuscript and ritual water vessel while the upper right-hand holds a white lotus flower, and the lower right performs the varada mudra - the gift-giving gesture of Hinduism. Often attributed to her is the veena (the traditional musical instrument) which serves to remind us of her gift of music to humanity.
Chanting the Saraswati Vandana mantra is believed to remove all obstacles to success in one's career and education.
Om and Hree Klein Mahasaraswati Devyai Namah.
Jai Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jai Saraswati Mata
Sadagun Vaibhav Shalini, Tribhuvan Vikhyata
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Chandravdani Padmasini, Dyuti Mangalkari
Sohe Shubh Hans Sawari, Atul Tejdhari
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Bayen Kar Mein Veena, Dayen Kar Mala
Sheesh Mukut Mani Sohe, Gal Motiyan Mala
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Devi Sharan Jo Aye, Unka Uddhar Kiya
Paithi Manthara Dasi, Ravan Sanhar Kiya
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Vidya Gyan Pradayini, Gyan Prakash Bharo
Moh, Agyan Aur Timir Ka, Jag Se Nash Karo
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Dhup Deep Phal Mewa, Maa Sweekar Karo
Gyanachakshu De Mata, Jag Nistar Karo
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Maa Saraswati Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Jan Gave
Hitkari Sukhkari, Gyan Bhakti Pave
Jai Saraswati Mata.
Jai Saraswati Mata, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata
Sadgun Vaibhav Shalini, Tribhuvan Vikhyata
Jai Saraswati Mata.
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