Saraswati : Goddess of Wisdom

Saraswati

Introduction

The goddess of aesthetics, knowledge, music, and wisdom is known as Sarasvati. She was first mentioned in the Rigveda and in later religious texts she is regarded as the inventor of the Sanskrit language. She is also the wife of Brahma and is worshipped as a goddess of learning in Buddhism and Jainism.

The goddess of knowledge, art, music, wisdom, and nature is regarded as a manifestation of the free flow of consciousness and wisdom. She is also known to chant “Saraswati Vandana,” which often begins and ends Vedic lessons. She is a part of the Tridevi along with Parvati and Lakshmi.

In India, some Hindus honor the goddess of learning by observing the festival known as Vasant Panchami, which is celebrated on the fifth day of spring. They also mark the occasion by helping children learn to write the alphabet. The goddess is additionally revered by followers of the Jain religion and Buddhist sects.

Physical Traits

The goddess of learning is often depicted as a graceful young woman with white skin. She usually wears a white sari, which signifies purity, and she rarely wears jewelry. She may also be depicted riding a swan or a goose, or she may be seated on a lotus flower. The goddess is often depicted in figure sculptures on temples. She is usually depicted with a peacock or her husband, who is her traditional assistant. Like many Hindu deities, she is depicted with four arms and a symbolic object. Her left hand is used to carry a palm-leaf manuscript.

In her hands, the goddess is seen holding a white lotus flower. She is also seen performing the varada mudras, which are a traditional Hindu gift-giving ritual. Another object that she is usually seen holding is the vina, which is a type of classical music instrument.

Family

The goddess Bhagawati Saraswati was born from Lord Brahma‘s mouth. Because of her beauty, it is believed that he desired to marry her. In various religious texts, she is also referred to as the consort of Brahma. In many versions she is also considered to be either the daughter of Shiva and Parvati or even the sister of Shiva.

Other names

Some of the words that are commonly used to refer to the goddess of learning are Brahmani, Brahmi, Bharadi, Vani, Vachi, Kavijihvagrasini, and Varnesvari. These are all related to the flow of ideas and music.

The goddess of knowledge is also known as Vidyadatri. Other names related to the goddess include Pustakadharini, who carries a book, and Veenadini, who plays the musical instrument that the goddess uses. Hamsavahini is depicted sitting on a swan, while Vagdevi is the goddess of speech. Some of the other names given to the goddess include Ambika, Chandrika, Gomati, Hamsasana, and Subhadra.

Powers and Abilities

The goddess has several festivals, such as the Saraswati Puja, which is held on the first day of the spring. During this festival, devotees often wear yellow to symbolize prosperity and wisdom. Her statues are also adorned with yellow silk.

During the festival of Navaratri, children are taught how to write, and priests are provided with fine food. The goddess is also regarded as a major deity in the festival. She is often prayed to by musicians prior to their performances.

Modern Day Influence

Vasant Panchami, which is also known as the birthday of the goddess Saraswati, is celebrated every year on the 5th day of the Magha lunar month. It is a great occasion for Hindus as it is the day when children start learning how to write and read. Various educational institutions also observe this festival.