13 Facts About Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja is celebrated every year on the 5th day of the Indian month Magh. This day is also marked as Basant Panchami. Saraswati Puja also marks the arrival of the spring season. Goddess Saraswati is symbolised as the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Saraswati represents purity and truthfulness. The existence of the deity Saraswati was found in medieval and ancient Indian Literature between 1000 BC to 1500 A.D

There are certain beliefs that led to the commencement of Saraswati Puja. Some of these are:

1.      One of the most popular belief behind the worship of Goddess Saraswati is that Lord Krishna gave Saraswati a blessing or a boon that she will be worshipped every year on Basant Panchami.

2.      Goddess Saraswati retained her glory from the Vedic age till today. In the Shanti Parv of Mahabharata, the Goddess of River(Saraswati) is believed to have appeared when Lord Brahma created the Universe.

3.      In a desire to see the entire universe with his own eyes, Lord Brahma was initially disappointed to see the silence and loneliness around him. After thinking for a while he sprinkled some water on the ground. Consequently, an angel appeared with a veena or a harp in her hand. Lord Brahma requested the deity to play something to spread happiness and unity in the universe. That angel came to be known as Saraswati, Veena Vadini or Vagdevi.

4.      We get to see a glimpse of the yellow colour attached with the celebration of Saraswati Puja. Yellow Colour is considered to be the favourite colour of Goddess Saraswati. This is the reason behind most of the spring flowers having a yellow colour.

5.      It is believed that Saraswati was initially the wife of Vishnu. But later Vishnu, who is worshipped as the preserver God passed her to Lord Brahma.

6.      In certain parts of India especially in the eastern parts, Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.

7.      The Lotus on which Goddess Sarawasti sits is symbolised as supreme knowledge and wisdom.

8.      Some people believe that Lord Brahma grew four heads because he was enchanted and allured by the beauty of Maa Saraswati. Lord Brahma desired to look at her from every direction.

9.      The four arms of Goddess Saraswati enlightens the four Vedas namely Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Samveda, Yajurveda. Goddess Saraswati is also known as the mother of all Vedas.

10.   Goddess Saraswati is believed to be the inventor of the Sanskrit language.

11.   Gayatri is believed to be another form of Maa Saraswati. Gayatri was excessively attracted by the glory and brilliance of the Sun God Surya. Consequently, she dissolved herself to become the Gayatri Mantra.

12.   Goddess Saraswati is also called Druga as she fought off Drug. Drug was a female demon in the ancient Veda. The name Druga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'dru' or 'dur' and 'go'.

13.   Goddess Saraswati is also believed to be the guardian deity in Buddhism. She upholds within herself the teachings and lessons of Gautam Buddha.