Saraswati

Introduction

Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of knowledge, learning, intellect, music, the arts, and speech. She is the shakti (consort) of Lord Brahma. In the Rig Veda, Saraswati is described as a sacred river, and in later texts she is venerated as the goddess of knowledge.

The name Saraswati means “she who flows” — the ever-flowing stream of knowledge. Students, artists, musicians, writers, and scholars worship Saraswati. She is also called Hamsavahini (rider of the swan), Veenapani (holder of the veena), and Shuklavarna (the white-robed one).

Form and Iconography

Saraswati’s form is serene and sattvic (pure). Her complexion is white (symbolizing purity), she wears white garments and is seated upon a white lotus. Her four hands hold a veena (music and art), a pustaka (book of the Vedas/knowledge), a sphatika mala (crystal rosary for meditation and austerity), and a kamandalu (water pot for purification). Her vahana (vehicle) is the hamsa (swan), symbolizing discernment — just as the swan can separate milk from water, Saraswati grants the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.

Mythological Stories

Vak Devi: In Vedic literature, Saraswati is described as the goddess of Vak (speech). All the Vedas, scriptures, and branches of knowledge are believed to originate from Saraswati’s grace. She is also called Vedamata (mother of the Vedas).

The Saraswati River: In ancient times, the Saraswati was a great river mentioned repeatedly in the Rig Veda. It was the lifeline of Vedic civilization. Over time, the river disappeared underground and is referred to as the “hidden Saraswati” (Gupta Saraswati).

Brahma and Saraswati: At the time of creation, Brahma manifested Saraswati. From the notes of her veena arose sound and rhythm in the cosmos, and through her grace all beings received the gifts of speech and intellect.

Major Temples

• Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, Karnataka — One of the four mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya
• Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basar, Telangana — A famous temple on the banks of the Godavari
• Saraswati Temple, Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu — An ancient temple in South India
• Saraswati Ghat Temple, Varanasi — An ancient temple on the banks of the Ganga

Associated Festivals

Vasant Panchami (the fifth day of Magha Shukla) is the most important festival of Saraswati Puja. Yellow is the colour of the day, and devotees wear yellow garments. Students place their books and writing instruments at Saraswati’s feet for blessings. The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Saraswati. In South India, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the ninth day (Navami) of Navratri.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Saraswati Beej Mantra: “Om Aim Sarasvatyai Namaha”
• Saraswati Vandana: “Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala Ya Shubhravastravrita…”
• Saraswati Stotra: “Sarasvati Namastubhyam Varade Kamarupini…”
• Medha Sukta: A Vedic hymn for intellect and memory