Unique Attributes : Knowledge, arts, letters
Other Names : Shaarda and Vakdevi
Vahan (Vehicle) : Swan
Consort : Lord Brahma
Mula Mantra : Om Eim Saraswatyei Namah
Goddess Saraswati is deeply revered amongst the Hindus for it is she
who endows human beings with wisdom, learning and the arts. This patron
of knowledge is the consort of Lord Brahma the creator and another
powerful wielder of wisdom and intelligence. It is believed that the
Vedas the four principal Hindu texts of knowledge were her progeny.
Saraswati literally means as the one 'swa' who gives her own knowledge
'sara'. Goddess Saraswati is many a time believed to be the creative
manifestation of Lord Brahma. Goddess Saraswati along with Parvati and
Lakshmi forms the 'tridevi' as the consorts of the trinity of Hindu
gods.
The four armed goddess holds the holy scriptures in one hand, has a
lotus in the other and with her other two hands plays the veena. In
religious texts and Hindu scriptures the goddess is depicted in a pure
white attire and is often seated on a white lotus but actually her mount
is the swan. The goddess is hence associated with the color white which
is a symbol of purity and serenity. This in turn reflects the clarity of
knowledge and the arts, the goddess is not at all influenced by the
material world. As seated on the lotus the symbolism which emerges is
that just like the lotus Goddess Saraswati is rooted in supreme reality.
The goddess is also known as Vakdevi the goddess of speech.
Basant Panchmi or Vasant Panchmi is the festival associated with the
goddess. It is also called the day meant for Saraswati Puja. The
festival marks the birth of the goddess of knowledge. The color yellow
holds special significance on this day, the goddess wears a sari of this
color on Basant Panchmi. This day holds special connotation for students
and hence Saraswati Puja is usually organized in educational
institutions. The day of Basant Panchmi is also a signal for heralding
of the spring season. People yearning for spiritual enhancement also
attach great reverence to Goddess Saraswati.