Goddess Saraswati

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is the consort of Lord Brahma and represents the free flow of consciousness and creativity.

Iconography and Symbolism

Saraswati is traditionally depicted as a graceful woman dressed in a pure white sari, seated on a white lotus or a swan.

• White Sari: Symbolizes purity, peace, and the quest for true knowledge.
• The Veena (Lute): Represents all creative arts and sciences. Her playing it symbolizes the tuning of the mind and intellect to live in harmony.
• The Book (Manuscript): Represents the Vedas and the importance of secular and spiritual learning.
• The Rosary (Mala): Represents the power of meditation and spirituality.
• Swan (Hamsa): Her vehicle, symbolizing the ability to discriminate between good and evil (Nira-Ksheera Viveka).

Major Festivals

• Vasant Panchami: Also known as Saraswati Puja, it marks the onset of spring. Students and artists place their books and instruments before her to seek blessings.
• Navaratri: The final three days of Navaratri (Maha Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami) are especially dedicated to her in many parts of India.

Spiritual Aspect

Saraswati is the 'Mother of the Vedas'. She is not interested in material wealth (which is the domain of Goddess Lakshmi) but in the wealth of the soul and the intellect. Worshipping her is an invitation to clear the mental fog and achieve enlightenment.