सरस्वती
Major Goddess · Sacred Day: Wednesday
Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, learning, music, arts, wisdom, and speech. She is the consort of Brahma the creator and the source of all creative expression. In the Rig Veda she is personified as a sacred river of wisdom that flows through the human heart. Her worship is central to students, scholars, musicians, and artists. Saraswati is especially celebrated on Vasant Panchami, when students place their books and instruments before her for blessings, and on Saraswati Puja during Navratri (particularly in Bengal). Her mantra 'Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah' is recited by those seeking success in studies.
Fair or pure white complexion, wearing a white saree, seated on a white lotus (or sometimes a peacock). Four arms holding a veena (Indian lute), a book (the Vedas), a rosary (mala), and a water pot (kamandalu). Her vahana is the swan (Hamsa) — symbolising discrimination between essence and appearance. Sometimes a peacock is her alternative vahana.
ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः ॥
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ॥
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि । विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥