Sarasvathi, The Goddess of Learning

by Jayaram V

Saraswati or Sarasvathi, means the flowing one. She is the goddess of knowledge and learning in Hinduism.

She is extolled in the Vedas both as a divinity and as the sacred river by the same name.

Originally, she was a river goddess. From the references found in the Rigveda, we may deduce that she was more popular in the Rigvedic times than all the present day goddesses of Hinduism, including goddess Ganga.

Later, in the puranic lore she became popular as the consort of Brahma and the goddess of knowledge and learning.

She has seven sisters and helps the gods by destroying their foes. She also dispels the darkness of our minds.

Saraswati in the Vedic tradition

The early Vedic people lived on the banks of the river Sarasvathi.

At the height of the Sindhu Sarasvathi civilization, the river was held in high esteem, which is evident from the several references to it found in the Rigveda.

The hymns of the Rigveda extoll the river frequently while they make no mention of the river Ganges. They describe her as the best mother, best of goddesses, hero's consort, mighty flood, balmy one, the all surpassing one, who illumines every pious thought, grants progeny, perfects the devotion of worshippers and protects them from storms and foes. They beseech her to come to the sacrificial altar from the highest heaven as well as from the lofty mountains.

The river used to flow in western India through what is now the Thar desert. It dried up eventually with changes in the climate.

Symbolism

Saraswati actually means "the one who flows".

Saraswati is a river of knowledge that flows in the highest heaven of Brahma and descends into our minds through the doors of learning to become established in us as knowledge and wisdom. She is purifier in our quest for liberation.

She personifies in humans civilized behavior, refined tastes and artistic talent. She is worshipped by all students.

Saraswati grants wisdom, knowledge, creativity and intuition for the flowering of our minds and refinement of our character.

In her images, she is shown with four hands, holding a Veena, Saraswati is Vagdevi, speech personified. Speech is central to our lives and activities on earth.

It also distinguishes us from rest of the animal kingdom.

Speech was also at the root of all Sanskrit mantras and religious activity. One can therefore understand the importance of this divinity in Hindu pantheon.

Saraswati is the goddess of light who dispels our ignorance and inner darkness through her grace. Even gods worship her for developing proficiency in different fields.

Description and imagery

She is addressed with different names by her devotees. Sarada (giver of essence), Vagesvari (controller of speech), Bharathi, Kalavathi, Brahmi (consort of Brahma) and Veenadhari (holder of the Veena) are some of her most popular names.

In the images, she is generally depicted as a beautiful and graceful goddess in spotless white clothes, with four hands, seated on a lotus seat, holding a Veena, a musical instrument, with one of her hands and resting it on her lap or, with the remaining three holding a book, a rosary and lotus respectively. She is usually depicted with water or a rive in the background, suggestive of her association with the river Saraswati, and peacock standing nearby.

These objects sometimes vary, but they generally symbolize her connection with learning and knowledge. Her vehicle is generally either a swan or a peacock.

The swan symbolizes beauty, grace and wisdom, while the peacock symbolizes the same in addition to its ability to deal with desires and ignorance (snakes)