Mother Saraswati - Goddess of learning Knowledge and Wisdom

O’ Devi Saraswati, the most auspicious Goddess of Knowledge with Lotus-like eyes

An embodiment of Knowledge with large eyes, kindly bless me with the Knowledge.

I salute you!!

In Hinduism, worshipping Gods and Goddesses is an age-old practice that is prevalent even in present times. According to Hindu beliefs, for spiritual growth, guidance, and learning, it is important to worship the supreme power. Goddess Saraswati is a Hindu deity. She has many names like Vidya Ki Devi, Ma Sharda, Mahavidya, Savitri, Devi, Gayatri etc. As per Hinduism, she is considered the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, but her prowess extends to nature, music, art, and learning.

Maa Saraswati's blessings have immense benefits and fortune, and people live a very fruitful and prosperous life. With a gentle smile on her face, she sits on a lotus flower, dressed in a white saree, while holding different objects in her arms. The four objects are a water pot, a book, a rosary, and a Veena (a musical instrument). Her white attire signifies purity, truth and knowledge, whereas lotus signifies enlightenment. The book (Vedas)contains the eternal truth related to the functioning of this Earth. The rosary helps in counting the name of divine power. The water pot signifies the power to differentiate between right and wrong. The musical instrument Veena not only represents music but all the creative arts. Every god in Hindu mythology has a favourite animal/bird/insect as a vehicle. Swan is Saraswati's vehicle. The swan is also known as a symbol of moksha ( soul liberates from worldly affairs after death).

Goddess of Learning, Knowledge and Wisdom – a refuge for young students

When young children worship Goddess Saraswati, they receive immense benefits as she is the source of knowledge and wisdom. With her blessings, young children feel encouraged to acquire knowledge in various fields like science, communication, arts, technology etc. When children put effort into their studies, they gain knowledge and receive blessings from Saraswatiji.

When students start their day by offering sincere prayers to Saraswati, they have a productive day full of learning. Their mind remains focused and calm. She bestows affluence on writers, performers, musicians, artists, etc., to showcase their creative and artistic expressions through various means.

In India, many students seek the blessing of Goddess Saraswati before their exams to ensure good results. When students worship her with great devotion, they experience self and spiritual growth, inner peace and harmony.

Story of Saraswati

In Hindu Mythology, Saraswati has been a prominent deity from the Vedic periods until modern India; even in the oldest Vedas, i.e., the Rigveda, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharat, Buddhism, and Jainism, the presence of Maa Saraswati is mentioned. Divine devi Saraswati, along with Laxmi, Ganesh, and Kartikey, is known as the offspring of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.

The task of creating the universe was given to the Bramha. Even though he tried his best efforts, the universe remained chaotic without law and order. Hence, Bramha created a feminine energy that could bring wisdom, knowledge, and order to the universe. Maa Saraswati emerged in no time. She was holding the sacred scriptures. As per her assigned task, she ensured that the universe became fully equipped with knowledge, concepts and wisdom. A world can only prosper when infused with arts, music, creativity, language and communication.

Another myth/story related to the creation of Saraswati is that when she emerged in front of Brahma, he became enchanted with her beauty. He developed affection for her not as a daughter but as a spouse. Seeing his inappropriate behaviour, Maa Saraswati was enraged, and she cursed him, saying that he would be worshipped in very few temples on this Earth. Even though Brahma created the universe, he has fewer temples, whereas Maa Saraswati is revered everywhere.

In the olden days, a massive river flowed on Earth. It was a sacred river named Saraswati. Another legend says that to stop the advances made by Brahma, Goddess Saraswati turned into a river.

Brahma the Creator of Universe

Saraswati the Source of Wisdom and Knowledge

Celebration of Vasant Panchami in India

Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami is celebrated across India. In Indian schools and colleges, the day is celebrated as the birthday of Ma Saraswati. On this day, everyone wears yellow clothes. The schools and colleges are decorated with yellow colour flowers. The yellow colour represents vigour, prosperity, and enlightenment. In schools and colleges, prayers are offered to the Goddess of wisdom, knowledge and learning. School children participate in various cultural programs. Many creative competitions are organised for students, such as vocational or instrumental music, dance, creative writing, arts, poetry recitation, etc. By celebrating this day, the students learn the value of education in leading a prosperous and meaningful life.

Vasant Panchami is also the start of Basant or the Spring season. Being an auspicious day, people generally start any new project, business, etc. Even people get married on this day. It is also celebrated as harvest time, especially when the mustard crop is fully ripened. Traditional sweets are prepared and offered during Saraswati Puja. In Hinduism, gods and goddesses are known by one hundred and eight names. Saraswati is also known as "Ashtottara Satanam". In Bengal, she is worshipped as Sharda, Bani, Veenadevi, and Bagdevi, whereas in Telugu, she is Chaduvula, in Kannada Shardamaba and in Tamil Kalaimagal. Apart from India, she is popularly known as Thurathadi in Myanmar, Bianciatin and Benzaitan in China and Japan.

In Buddhist iconography, Goddess Saraswati is known as a prominent deity, Manjushri, in the first millennium CE. As per Buddhist scriptures, Manjushri is represented in Hindu iconography. The ancient Buddhist archaeology sites, dated 200 BCE, have carvings that show the feminine deity holding a harp (vina) like an instrument.

In India, many temples are dedicated to Mahasaraswati, and the oldest surviving Sharada Peeth is present in POK.

In today's times, when the world is moving at a fast pace, followed by so many distractions, it is crucial for young children to worship Saraswati. Reciting her mantras awakens the creative expression amongst students.

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Article Author

Karuna Sinh

Karuna Sinh competent professional with over 20 years of experience in sectors ranging from Teaching, Hospitality, Freelancing content writing, Administration & Management.

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