Goddess Saraswati Devi, Hindu Goddess of Learning & Knowledge

Goddess Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of Learning, Knowledge and Wisdom. The Sanskrit word ‘Sara’ means ‘essence’ and ‘Swa’ means ‘self’, thus Saraswathi means “the essence of the self”. Goddess Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the “Mother of all Vedas” and the consort of Lord Brahma - the creator of the Universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of God Brahma. The goddess is also called ‘Vak Devi’, the Goddess of Speech.

Goddess Saraswati Mantra

Om Aim Sarasvatyai Svaha

Appearance of Goddess Saraswati

Goddess Saraswati is usually symbolized in white sari she adorns reflects her essential purity. In her popular images and pictures, Goddess Sarasvati is depicted with four arms wearing a white saree and seated on a white lotus. Her four arms represent the four aspects of human personality in learning which are mind, intellect, alertness and ego. It is also believed that these four arms represent four Vedas which is the primary sacred books of Hindus. The Vedas represent poetry, prose and music which are the three main forms of literature. The book in one hand represents the prose which is the divine true knowledge and also her perfection of the sciences and scriptures. A rosary or a garland of crystals on the other hand represents poetry which is the power of meditation and spirituality.

Goddess Saraswati Devi is also seen playing a musical instrument called Veena in her front hands which represents her perfection of all arts and sciences. The pot of sacred water represents creative and purification powers. A hamsa or swan is often seen near her feet. It is offered a mixture of milk and water to symbolize the discrimination between the good and the bad. This is why she is also called ‘Hamsavahini’. In some images a peacock is shown beside the goddess representing the arrogance and pride over its beauty.

Goddess Saraswati Jayanti

Saraswati Jayanti is the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. The festival is celebrated as Vasant Panchami every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha month (January - February) with great glory in goddess temples, educational institutions, and houses.

Mythology

The eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa considers Godess Saraswathy to be the daughter of Goddess Durga along with her sister Goddess Lakshmi and her brothers Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya. Rig Veda explains Saraswati as a river and in the post Vedic age she was increasingly associated with literature, arts and music. In Skanda Purana, she is the daughter of Lord Shiva.

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