The fifteenth deity that we worship is Saraswati Maa.
Saraswati Amma, also known as Varde Maa or Sharde Maa, is the consort of Lord Bramha. She is the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, talent, art, music, speech and intellect. Mother Saraswati is always dressed in white or off-white clothing representing purity.
Those who are sincere to Her will never lack purity of the mind, heart and soul.
She sits on a swan which is capable of separating water from mud with its beak. Similarly, where there is pure knowledge and devotion, we seperate-out ignorance.
We pray and ask Her to sit on our tongue as we sing devotional songs such as Mariamma’s thallatu, and so that we may always speak words of her vibrations, for She is the source of all knowledge.
About Goddess Saraswathi
Goddess Saraswati is venerated by Hindus as the eptiome of knowledge and speech. She is the patron of arts, music, philosophy, creativity, wisdom and learning. The consort of Brahma, she forms the holy Tridevi of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. Considered to be the Mother of The Vedas, Vasant Panchami, (the fifth day of spring) is celebrated in her honor and young children are encouraged to learn how to read and write.
Unique traits of Goddess Saraswathi
Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in white and seated on a lotus adorned with a mala of crystals alongside a flowing body of water. With a Veena in her hand and a pot of water beside her, she is portrayed with a swan as her carrier. All these traits represent true knowledge and wisdom through which peace and harmony are attained.
Incarnations of Goddess Saraswathi
Mahasaraswati is considered part of the nine forms of Durga which are revered as powerful and all consuming. These, ultimately are aspects of a single great Hindu Goddess which help in maintaining the balance of the world. As the abundant flowing waters of the mythical river Saraswati, the Goddess is credited with healing and purifying powers and considered to be the fount of all knowledge and wisdom.
Mythology of Goddess Saraswathi
Saraswati is often referred to as a river Goddess in Hindu tradition and is believed to be the mother of the Vedas. She appeared when Brahma created the Universe to guide mankind in their quest to acquire intellect and wisdom for their sojourn on Earth.
Saraswati is venerated as the wife of Creator Brahma and many Hindus believe that mankind itself sprang forth from this Holy Union, starting with Manu, the first man. Sage Sarasvata, the son of the Goddess was able to withstand the great drought due to the benevolence of his Mother and is hailed as the repository of the Vedas.
Unique Offerings for Goddess Saraswathi
Saraswati Pooja day is celebrated as a day of learning with books placed in front of the Deity. Dressing the Images of the Goddess in white or yellow is considered auspicious and traditionally, yellow foodstuffs, sweets and flowers are offered to the Deity. People decorate their houses with intricate patterns of rangoli with images of fish considered as auspicious. Incense sticks and ghee lamps are lit along with chanting of hymns to propitiate the Deity.
Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Saraswathi
Considered the Goddess of knowledge and learning, Saraswati’s birthday is the time to begin new studies and children begin to learn reading and writing formally on this day. She is believed to bless people who take up intellectual pursuits and students pray to her before examinations. Musicians also pray to her before concerts in a bid to invoke her benign blessings.
