SARASWATI PUJA

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science etc. according to Hinduism. She is the consort of Brahma. The word 'Saraswati' comes from two words : 'Saras' means flow, 'Wati' means she who has. That means, she who has flow. Also, 'Sara' means essence and 'Swa' means self. Saraswati is the symbol of knowledge and it flows or grows like a river. On the other hand, knowledge is supremely alluring, like a beautiful woman. Mother Saraswati is depicted as the beautiful fair Goddess with four arms. She wears a spotless white saree, she seats on white lotus. She is also known as 'Sharada', 'Vani', 'Vagdevi' etc. meaning to speech. Saraswati, known as 'Sraosha' in Zoroastrianism is the guardian of earth. Saraswati is known as a guardian deity in Buddhism who upholds the teachings of Gautama Buddha by offering protection and assistance to practitioners. She is known in Burmese as Thurathadi or Tipitaka Medaw, in Chinese as Biàncáitian, in Thai as Surasawadee and in Japanese as Benzaiten.

All knowledge is said to have flowed from the Goddess Saraswati and hence Saraswati worship is considered as a must for the seekers of knowledge. Because, Saraswati in Hinduism is the Goddess of Knowledge, intelligence, consciousness, creativity, education, enlightenment, music, the arts, and power. Divine knowledge is not possible without the blessing of the Goddess Saraswati. She is worshiped by students to gain her blessings in their quest for knowledge and excellence. She is worshipped by the seekers of pure knowledge to gain creative pursuits. Hence Saraswati Worship is followed by Hindus throughout the world.

A Saraswati Aarti (prayer) :
Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Sadgun Vaibhav Shalini, Tribhuvan Vikhyata
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Chndravadani Padmasani Dyuti Mangalkari
Sohe Shubh Hans Savari, Atul Tejdhari
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Baye Kar Mein Vina, Daye Kar Mala
Shish Mukut Mani Sohe, Gal Motiyan Mala
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Devi Sharan Aye, Unkar Uddhar Kiya
Paithi Manthara Dasi, Ravan Sanhar Kiya
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Vidya Gyan Pradayini, Gyan Prakash Bharo
Moh, Agyan Aur Timir Ka, Jag Se Nash Karo
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Dhup Dip Phal Meva, Ma Svikar Karo
Gyan Chakshu De Mata, Jag Nistar Karo
Om Jay Saraswati Mata,Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata
Ma Saraswati Ki Arati, Jo Koi Jan Gave
Hitkari Sukhkari, Gyan Pave
Om Jay Saraswati Mata, Maiya Jay Saraswati Mata.

(27th February 2012)