Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge, Art, and Music

January 26, 2013 — arts, knowledge, music, puja, Saraswati, wisdom

The Hindu goddess Saraswati is associated with wisdom and teaching. She is the essence of eloquence, with a particular talent for music. She is a water goddess representing a river flowing freely. She expresses herself in words, images, and all musical composition. She is depicted riding swans, playing a stringed instrument. She is the embodiment of knowledge and the ultimate patron of the arts. She is symbolic of the power of learning.

This year in the Hindu calendar her puja this year is Feb. 15, 2013. It is a custom to honor her by wearing yellow and teaching children to write their first letter on that day. Art supplies, musical instruments, and writing implements are used to honor her. Her sacred temples include libraries and schools. She represents wisdom and science in a pure form. She is the mother of the Vedas, the sacred texts at the heart of Hindu literature. She is the feminine aspect of Brahma. She rode her swans right out of his mouth, not completely unlike being formed from a rib. He was overwhelmed with darkness and chaos thinking, “How can I deal with all this formless mess?” (not so unlike Adam) then, BAM..Saraswati rides out of his mouth on her swans, knowing everything!!! What a stoke of luck! She was able to sort everything out with her wisdom.

On February 15 you may want to remember her with something artful and beautiful . Find something that is essentially the most creative part of you, no matter what medium is used.   She is a mighty discerning art critic, appreciating the magic in the making. You can honor her with a little ditty, a dance, or a fingerprinting…she knows the joy of capturing emotion in art. She can teach you this secret if you give her some time and attention. Everyone has artistic talents, some hidden. Artistic expression is a gateway to truth and open communication.  Saraswati invites you to discover the artist in you.