Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom.
Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the
Creator of the universe. Goddess Saraswati is said to possess the powers
of speech, wisdom and learning. Saraswati is regarded as the dispeller
of chaos and confusion.
Saraswati - the Consort of Brahma
Lord Brahma is known for creating the universe. Since knowledge is
required for creation, Maa Saraswati signifies the creative power of
Brahma. An apt creation requires sound knowledge. The creation of Lord
Brahma became fruitful with the knowledge provided by Goddess Saraswati.
Maa Saraswati - The Image
Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with yellow
skin dressed in a pure white saree. Saraswati is portrayed sitting on a
white lotus with veena (a musical instrument) in her hands. The book in
her hand signifies the eternal and universal knowledge as well her
perfection of the scriptures. Lotus symbolizes the supreme reality and
it suggests that the goddess herself is rooted in the supreme reality.
The color white represents purity and her rejection of everything that
is base and materialistic. The Swan represents the discrimination
between the evil and the good, the eternal and the transitory. The four
arms of the goddess suggest the four aspects of human personality i.e.
mind, intellect, vigilance, and ego. The pearl string represents the
power of spirituality. The peacock standing near Maa Saraswati
represents arrogance and pride over its beauty. The Goddess teaches that
physical appearance could be deceptive, by not taking peacock as the
vehicle. Goddess Saraswati suggests that one should be wise regarding
the eternal truth.
Saraswati - Bestower of Knowledge
Musical instruments, books, speech, knowledge, intellect are regarded
as symbols of Saraswati. Saraswati is believed to be the provider of
knowledge that dispels ignorance and unhappiness. Saraswati is
worshipped by seekers of knowledge especially students, scholars and
scientists.
Basant Panchami
Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival of spring is celebrated with full vivacity and joy amongst the Hindu people. In Hindi language, the word '' basant / vasant'' means ''spring'' and ''panchami'' means the fifth day. In short, Basant Panchami is celebrated as the fifth day of Spring Season.
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