Goddess of learning, arts, and wisdom, Saraswati is a major goddess in the Hindu female trinity (Tridevi) of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. The embodiment of purity, Saraswati symbolizes the universal quest for knowledge and the transformative power of education through eradication of ignorance. She is credited with bestowing wisdom to the world and creating Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and classical Indian literature.

Saraswati is illustrated as a beautiful goddess dressed in pure white, often seated on a white lotus, also depicting purity and knowledge. She is usually shown with four hands holding, (1) a book (representing the Vedas and learning), (2) a mala (signifying meditation and spiritual practice), (3) a pot of water (symbolizing creative and purification powers), and a veena (a musical instrument exemplifying arts and science). Her vehicle (vahana) is a swan, known for its discerning abilities, as swans’ beaks have the ability to filter pure water even from a bog. 

We’ve included Sarawati in this month’s newsletter to invoke blessings on all teacher training participants for intellectual clarity, creativity, and educational success. In your own life, you can seek the blessings of Saraswati before school year beginnings, exams, learning new skills, and for spiritual knowledge and wisdom.