As per the Hindu pantheon Saraswati is the consort of Brahma, the first among the trinity. Being the creator, his consort is held to be the mother of all creation. The literal meaning of her name means the flowing one. In the Rig Veda she represents a river and the deity presiding over it. Some of the other names used to denote her are Sharada (giver of essence), Vageeswari (goddess of speech) Brahmi (consort of Brahma), Mahavidya (goddess of knowledge). Since she is the goddess of knowledge, which is signified by light and brightness, she is depicted apparelled in white cloth. While two of her hands are playing the divine instrument, "The Veena", the other two hold the rosary and the book. This represents that she is the goddess of reading, writing and 'rithmetic; the three R's.

"Saraswathi Namasthubyam Varade Kamarupini Vidyarambam Karishyami Siddir Bavathume Sadha"

Her vehicle is the swan. The swan is said to be a wise bird that can separate milk from water. This is the power of discernment that praying to Saraswati will bestow on us. The peacock is also one of her vehicles. The peacock with its beautiful plumage stands for this world in all its glory. Since the attractions of the world lead the spiritual aspirant astray, the peacock could also be a symbol of avidya or nescience. Scholars have also interpreted that Saraswati is shown holding the book in the left hand and the rosary in the right hand with a specific message. The rosary, they say, symbolises the spiritual quest like "japa" and the book, the acquisition of knowledge for material ends. The holding of the rosary in the right hand indicates that it is of higher importance. Kalidasa, the immortal poet, was said to have had Saraswathi on his very tongue!

Shri Saraswathi is the Goddess of learning, who is divine knowledge personified. The sound of Her celestial veena awakens the notes of the sublime utterances of the sacred monosyllable, "OM". She bestows the knowledge of the supreme, mystic sound, clarity of thought and nobility of ideas as epresented by Her pure dazzling white clothes, with the hands holding the veen and books seated on the white lotus.

We worship Goddess Saraswathi to gain knowledge, dispassion, devotion and prosperity.

HINDU TEMPLE OF KENTUCKY

P.O Box 22813, 4213 Accomack Drive, Louisville, KY 40252
TEL# (502) 429-8888

HINDU TEMPLE OF KENTUCKY

P.O Box 22813, 4213 Accomack Drive, Louisville, KY 40252 TEL# (502) 429-8888

P.O Box 22813, 4213 Accomack Drive, Louisville, KY 40252
TEL# (502) 429-8888