Saraswathi the consort of Brahma is also known as goddess of knowledge. Brahma is the creator of the trinity and it is befitting that he has a wife who has the knowledge to assist him in the creation. Though this is said in a lighter tone, Hindu array of gods have a purpose and a symbolism. For a person whose mind elevates in devotion, worshipping these forms will be the ideal way of veneration. However, if one needs intellectual satisfaction, looking into the symbolism of the gods and the ideals behind these forms, will be very fulfilling.
Saraswathi Devi is the goddesses of learning and arts as well. The last three days of Navarathri is dedicated to Saraswathi devi. The first three days dedicated to Durga symbolises the destruction of evil which is followed by replacing our mind with virtues, the three days to Lakshmi. In such a peaceful mind knowledge happens effortlessly. This is the symbolism of Saraswathi devi during Navarathri. In south India there is a tradition when a new learning commences on the tenth day of Navarathri, Vijayadasami. Children start their journey into formal school education on this day. Someone who wants to learn music, art, instruments etc start the classes on this day.
All great poets of ancient India write one verse invoking the grace of Sarawathi. She is also known as Vaakdevi. She is dressed in white, seated on a lotus and has a veena in her hand. White stands for purity and in Hindu philosophy white stands for satwa guna which is an embodiment of values. Seated near her is a swan. The swan has the ability to drink milk alone from a mixture of milk and water. This symbolises the ability to discriminate between good and bad. Only when the mind is clear and pure, there can be discrimination between the good and the bad. Invoke goddesses Saraswathi and get the blessings for clear intellect.
