Saraswati

Mythology

Saraswati is one of the most ancient deities of the Hindu pantheon — appears already in the most ancient Vedas (1500 BC) as the mighty river-goddess of the Sarasvati River (sacred mythological river of the Vedic tradition; possibly real river that gradually disappeared due to geological changes — modern archaeology has identified the dry bed of the Saraswati in present-day Pakistan-North India). The original goddess was river deity of pure flowing waters; from there evolved progressively to the goddess of pure flowing wisdom — flowing water as direct metaphor of clear knowledge.

In the classical Hindu Trimurti system: Brahma (creator god) has wife Saraswati (wisdom). Vishnu (preserver god) has wife Lakshmi (abundance). Shiva (transformer god) has wife Parvati / Durga / Kali (energy power). The three goddesses together represent: 1) creative wisdom (Saraswati), 2) sustained abundance (Lakshmi), 3) transformative energy (Shakti/Parvati/Kali). The three correspond to the three guṇas (basic energetic qualities) of Hindu cosmology.

Symbolism and worship

Iconography: Saraswati seated on a white lotus flower (or sometimes on a swan, her sacred animal), vestments completely white (symbol of pure absolute clarity of knowledge), four arms (in the four hands carries: 1) veena — Indian classical music instrument; 2) book — sacred academic scriptures; 3) mala — necklace of meditation beads; 4) full water vessel). Sacred animal: swan (in Hindu tradition the swan symbolises the perfect spiritual discernment — the swan can supposedly separate milk from water mixed; symbolises the wise mind that separates truth from falsehood).

Worship and festivities: Saraswati is celebrated especially in Vasant Panchami (in late January / early February, marking the start of spring in India). On this day: students place their books, instruments, study tools on a Saraswati altar and ask for blessings of fertile new academic-creative year. Children of school age are presented with their first letters of the alphabet. Musicians give offerings of their instruments. Schools and universities throughout India celebrate special pujas to Saraswati. For Hindu students, special pujas to Saraswati before important exams or academic challenges.

Working with Saraswati today

Without being Hindu, you can connect with Saraswati respectfully: 1) Place a Saraswati figure on your study or creative work altar — patron par excellence of scholars, students, writers, musicians, artists of all kinds, scientific researchers. 2) Recite her mantra "Om Aim Saraswatyei Namaha" at the beginning of important study or creative work sessions. 3) Offerings: white flowers (especially white lotus or white lilies if available, otherwise pure white roses), white sweet rice (kheer), white bowl of pure water. 4) Especially powerful invocation in: exam preparation periods, academic-creative blockages, beginning new courses or study disciplines. 5) Sustained study and disciplined practice in your discipline of choice is the true devotional offering to Saraswati. 6) Greek-Roman parallel: Athena/Minerva (similar combination of wisdom + crafts + creative); the two goddesses are sisters in different cultures.