1. Who is Saraswati Devi?
Saraswati Devi is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, arts, wisdom and speech. She is one of the Tridevi β the divine feminine triad alongside Lakshmi and Parvati β and the consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator. Her name in Sanskrit means "she who flows" β representing the eternal flow of wisdom, consciousness and creativity.
Students, artists, musicians, teachers and scholars worship Saraswati for blessings of intelligence, clarity of mind, eloquence and creative ability. She is invoked at the start of every new learning endeavour β from a child's first alphabet to a scholar's research.
"Saraswati is the goddess who flows β she is the flow of speech, the flow of music, the flow of rivers, the flow of knowledge itself. To worship her is to open oneself to the eternal current of wisdom."
2. Forms & Iconography
Veena (Lute)
Represents the arts, music and creative harmony in all things.
Vedas / Book
Symbol of knowledge, scripture and the wisdom of the ages.
Japamala
Prayer beads represent meditation, concentration and spiritual practice.
White Swan
Her vehicle β symbol of discrimination between good and evil, real and unreal.
Saraswati is typically depicted in pure white β representing purity of knowledge and the transcendence of material desires. She sits or stands on a white lotus, and her four arms hold the Veena, Vedas, a water pot (Kamandalu) and prayer beads.
3. Vasant Panchami β Saraswati Puja
Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami), the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month, is the most important festival dedicated to Saraswati. It marks the arrival of spring and the season of new beginnings. Schools, colleges and homes install Saraswati idols, students place their books before her, and yellow β the colour of mustard flowers and spring β fills the atmosphere.
Vasant Panchami Puja Procedure (Brief)
- Set up Saraswati idol or image facing east or north
- Offer yellow flowers, white flowers, and yellow sweets (especially Boondi)
- Place books, musical instruments and pens before the goddess
- Chant the Saraswati Vandana: Ya Kundendu Tushar Haardhavalaaβ¦
- Offer incense, lamp and naivedya (food offering)
- Do not use books or instruments on this day β let them rest in the goddess's care
4. Saraswati Mantras
Saraswati Vandana
Ya Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavalaa, Ya Shubhravastravrita,
Ya Veenavara Dandamandita Kara, Ya Shweta Padmasana.
Ya Brahmaachyuta Shankara Prabhritibhir Devai Sadaa Poojita,
Sa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavati Nishesha Jaadyaapaahaa.
This is the most recited Saraswati prayer β invoking the goddess as the one who removes all dullness of mind and grants perfect knowledge.
5. Famous Saraswati Temples
- Saraswati Temple, Basara, Telangana β famous for Akshara Abhyasam (first writing) ceremony for children
- Sharda Peeth, Kashmir β one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, now in Pakistan-occupied territory
- Koothanur Saraswathi Temple, Tamil Nadu β famous for exam season worship
- Gnana Saraswathi Temple, Basar, Telangana β where children begin their formal education with Vidyarambham