Saraswati Puja

Quick Reference Card 

Quick Fact: On Saraswati Puja, books, pens, and musical instruments are worshipped as symbols of knowledge and creativity.

Introduction
Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, is a Hindu festival celebrated to honour the Goddess Saraswati, who is regarded as the epitome of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of Magh according to the Lunar Calendar. This day not only marks the worship of learning and creativity but also the arrival of the spring season. Students, teachers, artists, musicians and scholars celebrate this day with great devotion and enthusiasm across the country.  According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati was created by Lord Brahma to bring knowledge and wisdom to the world. 

Saraswati Bandana

ॐ सरस्वती मया दृष्ट्वा, वीणा पुस्तक धारणीम् ।

हंस वाहिनी समायुक्ता मां विद्या दान करोतु में ॐ ।।

Line by line explanation:

• ॐ सरस्वती मया दृष्ट्वा – I meditate upon and behold Goddess Saraswati

• वीणा पुस्तक धारणीम् – the one who holds a veena (music) and a book (knowledge)

• हंस वाहिनी समायुक्ता – who is seated on a swan, symbolizing purity and discernment

• मां विद्या दान करोतु मे – may she grant me knowledge and learning

This mantra is a prayer to the Goddess Saraswati seeking knowledge, wisdom, creativity and clarity of thought. It is commonly recited by students, teachers, and scholars, especially during Saraswati Puja and before studying or engaging in learning activities.

Symbols of  Goddess Saraswati 

The goddess Saraswati is presented in white clothing, sitting on a white lotus flower. She carries four important items: the veena, the book, the mala, the swan and the lotus flower.

• The Veena: A musical instrument that represents her mastery over arts and music.

• The Book: Symbolizes knowledge and wisdom

• The Mala(Rosary): Represents spiritual enlightenment, meditation and discipline

• The Swan and Lotus Flower: Symbolizes purity and wisdom. 

Significance of Saraswati Puja 

According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Saraswati is believed to have created the Sanskrit language. Goddess Saraswati created powerful weapons to defeat the demon Mahishasura and these weapons became the objects of worship on this day. Saraswati Puja commemorates the birth of the goddess Saraswati. 

Why is Saraswati Puja observed?
Saraswati Puja is observed to: 

• Seek blessings for Wisdom, learning, knowledge and creativity.

• Encourage respect for education and teachers.

• Mark a special time to begin studies and the arts. 

• Promote intellectual and cultural growth. 

How is Saraswati Puja observed?
Saraswati Puja is celebrated with devotion and simplicity across the country. The following activities are done on the day of Saraswati Puja.

• Worship of Goddess Saraswati at homes, schools and temples. 

• Special puja ceremonies are conducted by Priests. 

• Students and Teachers participate in the prayer rituals. 

• Akshararamva (initiation to learning) is done for the young children, where they will start to learn and write letters 

People often wear yellow or white clothes, symbolising purity and knowledge. 

Educational and Cultural Impact

• Respect for learning, knowledge and wisdom.

• Strengthens the student-teacher bond.

• Promotes creativity.

Saraswati Puja is a celebration of knowledge, wisdom, arts, learning and creativity. This day encourages individuals to respect education and pursue wisdom with sincerity. The blessings of goddess Saraswati will continue to guide learners towards enlightenment and positive growth.