Maa Saraswati is one of the oldest deities in the Hindu mythology. She is a part of the Tridevi Goddesses along with Lakshmi and Parvati. She is the Hindu goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, speech and learning. Maa Saraswati is called the mother of all Vedas. She is the repository of all knowledge and information. She has more than 1,000 names. She is also popularly known as Ambika, Bharati, Chandrika, Devi, Gomati, Saudamini, Sharada, Subhadra, Vaishnavi, Vasudha and Vidya.
There are two different versions of Maa Saraswati’s birth. According to Matsya Purana, she was born from the limb of Brahma. Per the Brahmanda Purana, she was born from the mind of Brahma. Her birth is celebrated on Vasant Panchami. Saraswati pujan is done on the day of Vasant Panchami and young children are assisted to learn how to write letters on that day.
Maa Saraswati is generally depicted as a beautiful fair-skinned woman wearing a white saree and sitting on a swan (sometimes on a lotus). In some images, she is accompanied by a peacock. She has four hands. In her front two hands, she holds a Veena (a stringed musical instrument). In her rear right hand, she holds a rosary bead and a book in her rear left hand. She wears a few golden ornaments, like a crown, necklaces, bangles, etc.
The colour white is a symbol of purity and wisdom. Maa Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom. Therefore, she is generally depicted wearing a white saree. The Lotus on which Maa Saraswati sits, is considered a symbol of supreme knowledge. The Veena that Maa Saraswati holds, symbolizes harmony, intelligence and intellect.
A swan is the mount of Goddess Saraswati. It is believed that a swan can separate milk from water. The swan symbolizes the ability to distinguish between good and evil. It also represents wisdom, grace, beauty, spiritual perfection, transcendence and moksha. Sometimes a peacock is also seen with Maa Saraswati. The peacock symbolizes celebration of dance and colourful splendour.
Worshiping Maa Saraswati with devotion can help to sharpen knowledge, abilities, perception, talents, capabilities and educational performance. It will enhance clarity of thought and promote better understanding.
