The goddess associated with knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning, Saraswati is a prominent Hindu goddess considered the embodiment of intellect, creativity, and eloquence. Saraswati is depicted as a serene and graceful deity, often portrayed playing the veena, a musical instrument similar to a sitar, with her four hands.

According to Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and is known as the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. She is highly venerated by students, scholars, artists, and musicians who seek her blessings for inspiration, guidance, and success in their respective fields.

Saraswati is believed to possess profound wisdom and the power to dispel ignorance. She is depicted wearing white garments, symbolizing purity, and often seated on a white lotus, which represents divine knowledge. Her association with the swan signifies discrimination and the ability to separate the truth from falsehood.

Worship of Saraswati is prominent during the festival of Vasant Panchami, which marks the onset of spring and is considered an auspicious time for learning and arts. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and fruits to seek her blessings and invoke her guidance in their pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Saraswati is not only revered in Hinduism but also finds her place in Buddhism and Jainism, albeit with slight variations in her depiction and significance. In all these traditions, she remains an iconic figure representing the importance of education, culture, and intellectual growth.

Weapons

Saraswati is typically depicted holding or associated with various symbolic items rather than weapons. As the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom, her focus is on intellectual pursuits rather than warfare or violence. In some artistic representations, Saraswati may be depicted holding a few symbolic objects. These can include:

• Veena: The veena is a musical instrument similar to a sitar or a lute. It is the most common attribute associated with Saraswati, representing her association with music, creativity, and the arts.
• Book: Saraswati is often shown holding or sitting on a book or a scroll, symbolizing her connection to knowledge, learning, and scholarship.
• Rosary (Mala): Saraswati may also be depicted holding a rosary, representing the continuous pursuit of knowledge and the importance of spiritual practice.
• Lotus: Saraswati is often depicted seated on or near a white lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.

Family

In many myths, Saraswati is described as the daughter of Lord Brahma, who is considered the creator of the universe. In this context, Saraswati is regarded as one of the Tridevi, the three divine goddesses of Hinduism.

Also, she is often depicted as the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. In this divine union, Saraswati is considered the embodiment of knowledge and arts, while Vishnu represents the preserver and sustainer of the universe.

Saraswati is also associated with Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Shiva once took the form of Ardhanarishvara, a composite androgynous deity, where half of the body represents Shiva and the other half represents Saraswati.

In terms of familial connections, Saraswati is usually portrayed as the sister of Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and abundance, and the sister of Goddess Parvati, who represents feminine power and divine energy. Together, these three goddesses form a powerful trinity, known as Tridevi or Tridevata.

Pivotal Moment

Saraswati plays significant roles in various mythological narratives and stories. In the Bhagavata Purana Saraswati is described as one of the three wives of Vishnu, along with Lakshmi and Ganga who may or may not be considered her sisters in this particular tale. In any case, Saraswati notices Ganga stealing playful glances at Vishnu, and accuses Ganga of stealing his love for her. Going to Vishnu and asking him to take her side, Vishnu declines, deciding instead to remain neutral, as he truly loves all his wives equally. Enraged further, Lakshmi decides to step in and attempt to soothe Saraswati, and in doing so earned Saraswati’s further wrath. Lakshmi was cursed to be reborn on earth as a plant. Ganga, then angry Saraswati cursed Lakshmi for coming to her defense, cursed Saraswati to be reborn on earth as a river. Saraswati then cursed Ganga in the same way, and Vishnu thought it would do them all some good to remain on earth in river/plant form for a little while to cool off. Though they eventually returned to his side.