Godess Saraswati
Category : JIS Events | Sub Category : Posted on 2024-02-09 03:32:04
Goddess Sarasvati: The Eternal Quest for Knowledge
Devi Sarasvati, the feminine cosmic principle, along with Laxmi and Parvati, collectively embody the concept of Tridevi or the adishakti, as delineated in Hindu scriptures. Also known as the consort of Brahma, Sarasvati epitomizes absolute purity and is revered as the bestower of supreme knowledge and intellect. Conceptually, she emerges as an eternal and transcendent figure. From her portrayal as a mighty and omnipotent river in the Rig Veda to her role as the presiding deity (adhishatri devi) of vidya (knowledge), Sarasvati transcends both geographical and religious confines, being venerated in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. Interestingly, even Benzaiten, a goddess revered in Japan, traces her origins back to Sarasvati.
The pursuit of knowledge is intricate, concealed within layers that necessitate unraveling for its attainment. Similarly, the origins and evolution of the patron deity of knowledge are shrouded behind layers of evidence—be they literary, material, or geological. Nonetheless, it is evident that Sarasvati has been revered as divine for over four millennia. In the Rig Veda, Sarasvati is depicted as the embodiment of the Sarasvati river, which is not merely an ordinary waterway but is believed to have originated in the heavens before flowing upon the earth. Described as a grand and potent river, Sarasvati is revered as the mother of waters.
Over time, the mighty Sarasvati river gradually faded into obscurity, with later texts like the Brahmanas and Yajur Veda identifying her with speech (vaak or vaach). In subsequent literature, she transitioned into the goddess of learning and the mother of the Vedas, as she is recognized today. Although the physical presence of the Sarasvati river may have diminished, her legacy and myths endured. She continued to be worshipped as the unseen third river in the sacred triveni sangam at Allahabad, alongside the Ganga and Yamuna. While Sarasvati is unequivocally revered as the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts, invoked especially by students before commencing their education, it is imperative to recognize that her invocation transcends mere academic or artistic pursuits. Rig Veda verses remind us of the deeper significance of invoking Sarasvati, emphasizing purification, inspiration for righteous action, heightened consciousness, and illumination of intellect.
Iconographically, Sarasvati, clad in pristine white and seated upon a white lotus, symbolizes purity. Her bahana, the swan (hansa) , is revered for its ability to discern between milk and water, representing intellectual discernment. Whether worshipped on Vasant Panchami or any other day dedicated to her, praying to Sarasvati entails seeking purity of thoughts and actions, wisdom to discern right from wrong, and the awakening of inner consciousness—an eternal quest that Sarasvati gracefully facilitates.
