Saraswati is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. The name Saraswati itself is one of the most beautiful in all Sanskrit. It means. "Flowingly elegant". Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma.
Saraswati is mentioned in vedas as the sacred river with seven sisters, who helped the gods by destroying their enemies. According to the Rigveda, the early aryans worshipped Saraswati river, not the Ganges. Saraswati river used to flow in western parts of India through what is now the Thar desert. It dried up eventually which the change in the climate.
Saraswati is worshipped by students. She grants wisdom, knowledge, creativity and intuition forthe flowering of our minds and refinement of our character. Saraswati is vagdevi, sppech personified. Saraswati is also the goddess of light who dispels out ignorance and inner darkness through her grace. She is addressed with different names - Sarda (giver of seeence), vageshwari (controller of speech), Brahmi (consort of Brahma), Veenadhari (holder of Veena), Bharati, and Kalavati.
Vasant Panchami is the festival of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. She represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' often begin and end Vedic lessons. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus "the symbol of true knowledge" in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the veena. She is dressed in white "the symbol of purity ” and rides on a white swan and a peacock.
