Saraswati

Rajamatangi

1895 CE Saraswati on hamsa सरस्वती हंस painting 2

1150 CE Hoysaleswara temple Halebidu Karnataka, Dancing Saraswati

DT5248

Saraswati puja festival6

Thurathadi, Insein Kyaukdawgyi Buddha

Saraswati is a principal Hindu goddess, known as the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. She is part of the Tridevi, which includes Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Parvati, the goddess of power, fertility, and love. Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in pure white, often seated on a white lotus, which symbolizes light, knowledge, and truth. She is usually associated with a swan or a peacock, and has four hands which represent the four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. In her hands, she holds a book, a rosary (representing meditation), a water pot (purification), and a musical instrument (Veena), which symbolizes the expressive power of knowledge and creativity.

Mythology

Saraswati's origins can be traced back to the Rigveda, one of the oldest known texts in the Indo-European family. She is not only significant in Hinduism but also in Buddhism and Jainism, representing different aspects of learning and wisdom in these religions. In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the daughter of Shiva and Durga, and consort of Brahma, the creator god, helping him in the creation of the universe by providing the essence of knowledge and wisdom.

Worship and Festivals

Saraswati is worshipped across the Indian subcontinent and in countries with large Hindu populations. The festival of Vasant Panchami is dedicated to her, celebrated on the fifth day of the spring month of Magha, which marks the arrival of spring and the agricultural season. On this day, people dress in yellow, a color associated with wisdom and prosperity, and young children are taught to write their first words. Educational institutions and students offer prayers to Saraswati seeking wisdom and guidance.

Iconography

In art and iconography, Saraswati is often depicted with a manuscript or a book in one hand, a japa mala (rosary) in another, a water pot, and the Veena. Each of these items carries its own symbolic meaning. The book represents the Vedas and the universal, divine, eternal, and true knowledge as well as all forms of learning. The rosary signifies concentration, meditation, and contemplation. The water pot represents purificative powers, and the Veena denotes all creative arts and sciences, and her perfection of all arts and sciences.

Cultural Impact

Saraswati's influence extends beyond religion and mythology into Indian culture and society. Many educational institutions are named after her, and her symbols are often used in educational logos. Saraswati Puja is a common practice in schools and colleges across India, where students pay homage to the goddess to seek her blessings for their academic and artistic endeavors. Her principles of wisdom, knowledge, and learning are deeply ingrained in Indian thought and philosophy.