Saraswati: Goddess of Knowledge, Music, Art, Wisdom, Nature

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 Saraswathi is said to possess the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Saraswati is regarded as the dispeller of chaos and confusion.

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

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 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 represents arrogance and pride over its beauty. The Goddess teaches that physical appearance could be deceptive, by not taking peacock as the vehicle. Goddess suggests that one should be wise regarding the eternal truth.

Bestower of Knowledge

Musical instruments, books, speech, knowledge, intellect are regarded as symbols of Saraswathi. She is believed to be the provider of knowledge that dispels ignorance and unhappiness. Saraswati is worshiped 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 in India.