SARASVATI Shiva, the destroyer of many sins and the master of three worlds, wandered in several pilgrim-stations, but could not be successful in his mission. The sin of severing the fifth head of Brahma could not be washed off from him. Because of his action, the skull of Brahma sticking to his hand could not fall away till he reached Kapalmochan. (Dhanasari Trilochan, p. 695) According to some accounts Brahma produced Sarasvati.
She was considered as his daughter, but seeing her beauty, Brahma followed her lustfully. To whichever direction she went, Brahma created a head in order to see her. When she could not escape from all the four directions and the four heads of Brahma, she flew towards the sky. Brahma produced the fifth head. Such demeanour of Brahma was not liked by Shiva, therefore he cut off the fifth head of Brahma. This head stuck to his hand, for which Shiva had to go to several pilgrim-stations.
Ultimately, this head fell away at Kapalmochan. In later traditions, Sarasvati has been mentioned as the wife of Brahma. She is the goddess of speech and learning and also the inventress of the Sanskrit language and Devanagari script. In her portraits she is shown as seated on a lotus and holding a vina in her hand. There is no direct reference to her in the Sikh Scripture. Her other names are Savitri and Gayatri.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Sarasvati, also spelled as Saraswati, is one of the most revered goddesses in Hindu mythology. She is the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, arts, music, and speech, embodying the essence of intellectual and creative pursuits. Sarasvati is also associated with purity and enlightenment, making her a central figure in Hindu spiritual and cultural traditions.
Key Aspects of Sarasvati:
Origins and Evolution:
- Sarasvati’s origins trace back to the Vedic period, where she was initially worshipped as a river goddess, symbolizing fertility and purification. The Sarasvati River, mentioned in the Rigveda, was considered sacred and vital for sustaining life.
- Over time, Sarasvati evolved into the goddess of knowledge and speech, merging with the Vedic deity Vac, the personification of sacred speech.
Iconography:
- Sarasvati is typically depicted as a serene and radiant figure dressed in white, symbolizing purity and wisdom.
- She is often shown seated on a white lotus, representing enlightenment, or riding a swan (hamsa), which signifies discernment and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
- Her four hands hold a veena (a musical instrument), a book, a mala (rosary), and a water pot, symbolizing music, learning, spirituality, and purification, respectively.
Role in Hindu Philosophy:
- Sarasvati is part of the Tridevi, alongside Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Parvati (goddess of power). Together, they represent the creative, sustaining, and transformative energies of the universe.
- She is considered the consort or creative energy (Shakti) of Lord Brahma, the creator god, and is believed to inspire his creative endeavors.
Festivals and Worship:
- Sarasvati is worshipped during Vasant Panchami, a festival dedicated to learning and the arts. On this day, devotees offer prayers to Sarasvati, seeking her blessings for wisdom and success in education.
- Her worship is especially significant for students, artists, and scholars.
Symbolism:
- Sarasvati represents the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of intellectual and spiritual growth. Her association with the arts and music highlights the harmony between creativity and wisdom.
Sarasvati’s influence extends beyond Hinduism, as she is also venerated in Jainism and Buddhism. Her timeless appeal lies in her embodiment of the ideals of learning, creativity, and enlightenment.
