SARSUTI (SARASVATI) Ganga, Jamuna, Godavari and Sarsuti make effort to touch the dust of the feet of the saint. (They say: we are full of the din of sins and our ditt is removed by the dust of the feet of the saint). (Malar M. 4, p. 1263) In the Vedas, Sarasvati (Sarsuti) is mentioned as a river. In all probability, it was a sacred river of the early Aryans. As a river-goddess, Sarasvati is said to be the bestower of fertility, fatness and wealth. In later period, she is the wife of Brahma and goddess of speech and learning. See : Sarasvati.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Sarsuti, also known as Sarasvati, is one of the most revered and significant deities in Hindu mythology. She is widely recognized as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, arts, music, speech, and learning. Her name stems from the Sanskrit words sara, meaning “essence,” and sva, meaning “self,” which together denote “the one who leads to the essence of the self.” Sarasvati is celebrated for her role in fostering creativity, enlightenment, and intellectual pursuits.
Key Aspects of Sarasvati:
Vedic Roots:
- Sarasvati’s origins trace back to the Rigveda, where she is initially worshiped as a river goddess—the Sarasvati River being sacred for its role in sustaining life and purifying sins.
- Over time, Sarasvati evolved into the goddess of wisdom and speech, synonymous with the concept of Vac, which represents divine speech or sacred knowledge.
Iconography:
- Sarasvati is often depicted as a radiant figure dressed in white, symbolizing purity and wisdom. She sits on a lotus, representing enlightenment and detachment.
- Her four hands typically hold a veena (symbolizing music and arts), a book (symbolizing knowledge), a mala (rosary, representing spirituality), and a water pot (symbolizing purification). She is often accompanied by a swan, symbolizing discernment and wisdom, or a peacock, representing beauty and grace.
Connection to Brahma:
- Sarasvati is considered the consort or Shakti (creative energy) of Lord Brahma, the creator deity. She is believed to inspire Brahma’s creative pursuits and is closely associated with his role in shaping the universe.
Symbolism:
- Sarasvati embodies intelligence, creativity, and learning, encouraging devotees to rise above ignorance and pursue spiritual and intellectual growth.
- The lotus and white attire signify purity amidst the chaos of the material world.
Festivals and Worship:
- Sarasvati is worshipped during Vasant Panchami, an auspicious day dedicated to learning and the arts. Devotees offer prayers and educational materials like books and musical instruments to seek her blessings.
- Her worship is especially significant for students, scholars, and artists striving for success and creativity.
Legacy and Influence:
- Sarasvati’s influence extends beyond Hinduism; she is revered in Buddhism and Jainism as a deity of wisdom and learning.
- She inspires intellectual and creative traditions, symbolizing the eternal pursuit of knowledge and self-realization.
Sarsuti (Sarasvati) is a timeless figure representing the transformative power of wisdom and creativity.
