Devi Saraswati Puja & it’s Symbolic Meaning
Spiritual Wisdom & know about Vidhyambham-Aksharabhyasam & Hindu Lunar Month
hridayankur sharma(mridconsults@gmail.com)
Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the power that symbolises Truth, Sattva-Guna & Sacred Wisdom for True Knowledge. The Basant Panchami is considered a sacred festival marking the arrival of spring in India & worldwide with a pure devotion & joy. Auspicious day for spiritual practice for aligning ourself with cosmic cosmic energy. On this day seekers get the blessings of Maa Saraswati to enhance their creative energy, growth & deeper connection with intelligence.
Hindu Calendar/ Tithi:
The Basant Panchami festival is celebrated with great fervor in India and other countries on the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Magha (usually falls in mid of Jan-Feb). This festival holds profound cultural, spiritual & astrological significance which assumes to be highly auspicious for prayers seeking clarity, thought cure & wisdom.
According to accounts in the Puranas, the word itself is Brahman (the ultimate reality). And the creation of expression, which includes music, learning, and communication, all originates from Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma, who created the universe.
Symbolic Meaning:
The word “Saras” means both ‘flow of water’ and ‘speech’. The word “wati” means “she who possesses”. Therefore, in the Rigveda, she is described as “the best mother who possesses speech.”
Cultural Attributes & Sacred Rituals
During the rituals, Goddess Saraswati is depicted wearing a white saree and adorned with white flowers and ornaments, symbolising truth, purity, and wisdom. However, the season and the festival of Basant Panchami also reflect the yellow fields of mustard flowers that are ripening.
Goddess Saraswati bestows intelligence upon us. Basant Panchami considered to be the time when spring begins in India and mustard flowers bloom. This festival is associated with the sacred color yellow (dedicated to Lord Vishu) and entire fields of mustard flowers are in full bloom resembles a bed of yellow flowers. People wear yellow clothes and consume & donate yellow-colored foods., specially Kichdi. The idols & sacred offering materials during worshipping of Goddess Saraswati are adorned with yellow garments because, in Hinduism, yellow colour is considered a symbol of growth and prosperity.
Vidhyambham & Aksharabhyasam :
Devi Saraswati is bestower of Vidhya (Knowledge) & Basant Panchami is the time when people begin to impart the first lessons of education to their kids . This practice is called Vidyarambham. It is also known as Aksharabhyasam.
Astrological Viewpoint & Remedies (Mrid Consults)
Consultant from Mrid Consults, Hridayankur Sharma explains that, Basant Panchami is a powerful festival of connecting with the cosmic energies.
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Planet Sun (5th house ) & Basant Panchami: The position of Sun in Capricorn during this indicates the beginning of productive efforts and setting clear intentions. I thought it considered to be an auspicious day for students to initiate the learning of scriptures .
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Goddess Saraswati & Mercury (Planet of communication & networking): Worshiping maa Saraswati not only brings blessings, but also enhances the positive influence of Mercury, the planet of intelligence and communication. This day is especially important for students, artists and those seeking knowledge, because it is believed that praying to the goddess on this day increases intelligence & creativity. This day is also considered auspicious for developing new networks & initiating new techniques. The purity of speech, which is seen from the second sense, has been considered beneficial for anyone having speech or disorders of 2nd house in his horoscope . Observing silence & practicing meditation also bring immense benefits on this day.
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Basant Panchmi & Jiva Karak Planet Jupiter: Planet Jupiter is closely associated with increased prosperity & knowledge. Worshiping Maa Saraswati on this day indicates prosperity, knowledge and thought clarity, however sacred yellow color belongs to the planet Jupiter. The purity of which is described at many places in the holy scriptures.
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Whether it’s a new endeavour, a creative project, or a wedding. Yellow, the dominant color in ceremonies, represents energy, prosperity and the warmth of growth, which begins to shine even brighter with the arrival of spring.
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Devi Saraswati & Rahu (Dragon’s Head): Regularly reciting Saraswati Vandana, Guru Charitra & Narsimha-Avtar of Lord Dattatreya, immensely helps in reducing the ill-effects of a malefic Rahu on career and relationships.
Donation for Growth & Prosperity:
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Chanting, “aum aim saraswatyai namah” to get blessing of Devi Saraswati & offering prayers to Devi Saraswati & offering sweets, flowers, fruits & prasadam.
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Wearing and donating yellow clothes for good fortune and prosperity.
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Eat & distribute yellow coloured food (among which “khichdi” is considered especially auspicious).
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Distribution of stationary items & funding education for the needy kids in society.
