Significance of Goddess Sarasvati
Goddess Sarasvati, in the context of Vaishnavism and Hindu mythology, represents the divine figure of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. She is revered as a beloved deity of the Supreme God, adorned with beauty and jewelry, and is often depicted playing the vina and holding a book. Worshipped for her blessings of fearlessness and intelligence, Goddess Sarasvati is invoked for inspiration in arts and learning, playing a significant role in spiritual and educational pursuits.
Synonyms: Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge, Goddess of wisdom, Devi saraswati, Sharada, Bharati, Vagdevi, Vani
In Dutch: Godin Sarasvati; In Finnish: Jumalatar Sarasvati; In Spanish: Diosa Sarasvati; In German: Göttin Sarasvati
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Goddess Sarasvati'
Goddess Sarasvati in Hinduism is the revered deity of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. She embodies learning and enlightenment, granting liberation and blessings through devotion, and is a significant figure in various worship ceremonies and narratives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning in Hindu mythology.[1] (2) The deity associated with knowledge and arts, invoked alongside Narayana and Nara.[2] (3) The goddess Sarasvati is a divine figure who represents wisdom and learning, to whom homage is paid at the beginning of the narrative.[3] (4) The goddess of knowledge and wisdom, to whom reverence is paid at the beginning of the discussed events.[4] (5) A revered goddess, invoked in the context of uttering the sacred word 'Jaya' in the passage.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The goddess of wisdom, who supports and grants liberation through earnest devotion.[6] (2) The goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning, referred to as the mother of the boy.[7] (3) A divine figure representing knowledge and arts, to whom the body of Viduratha is presented.[8]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The divine consort of Brahma who aids in the granting of Kumbhakarna's boon, emphasizing the importance of divine intervention.[9] (2) A divine figure representing knowledge and wisdom, associated with Rama in the text.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A divine figure who is exalted by Ashvatara and who grants him and Kambala the skills of poetry and music.[11] (2) The goddess of knowledge, who was adored by Vapu following her condemnation to become a bird.[12]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A deity whose worship brings wisdom to her devotees, highlighting her importance in knowledge.[13] (2) In the evening, a visit to this goddess is said to enhance the merit of making unsolicited gifts.[14]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A goddess who laughs at Narada's failed singing and highlights the importance of music.[15] (2) The goddess associated with knowledge, music, and poetry who expresses a desire to utilize Valmiki's abilities to narrate the Mahabharata.[16]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The goddess of speech, learning, and wisdom, who resides in the charming capital of Kashmira.[17]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The goddess associated with learning and wisdom, whom the old lady claims to have propitiated for Gautama's transformation.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The deity associated with learning and wisdom, whose presence is symbolically represented in Vishnu's universal form.[19]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Hindu goddess of learning, music, and knowledge, associated with wisdom and inspiration.[20]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The divine figure who embodies knowledge and music, revered as the teacher in the context of this text.[21] (2) A deity whose face is compared to the beauty of millions of moons and is adorned with beautiful jewelry.[22] (3) The beautiful divine figure to whom the speaker offers respectful obeisances, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.[23] (4) A revered deity in Hinduism associated with knowledge, music, art, and wisdom, whom Narada seeks mercy from.[24] (5) The divine figure representing knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning in Hindu mythology.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The divine figure who is regarded with mercy and speaks to the fortunate brahmana.[26] (2) A Hindu deity associated with knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning.[27] (3) The deity invoked by the brahmana for blessings before his travels.[28] (4) A divine figure who knows and glorifies the pastimes of Krishna through those who are qualified.[29] (5) The divine figure representing knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning, associated with the term brahmani.[30]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The goddess of knowledge who plays a role in conveying the teachings of devotion through Narada.[31] (2) The goddess who is invoked to inspire the author to sing praises of Lord Gaurahari with wonderful songs.[32]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A divine figure associated with knowledge and insight, invoked during the fire worship rituals.[33] (2) The deity of knowledge and wisdom, referenced in the context of bestowing intelligence.[34]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A divine figure associated with knowledge and arts, also invoked for gaining insight.[35]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity representing knowledge and wisdom, to whom blessings of intelligence are sought for the child.[36]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A female deity mentioned in conjunction with offerings to Vishnu.[37]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A divine figure represented as a maiden of beauty, embodying knowledge and the arts, who serves the Holy One.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Adored as the embodiment of speech, bringing delight to the heart and depicted as a bee dwelling in the lotus.[39]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The goddess associated with wisdom and knowledge, speaking to Damayanti and guiding her choices.[40]
The concept of Goddess Sarasvati in local and regional sources
Goddess Sarasvati is the deity of learning who inspires Potana to uphold his poetic ideals, emphasizing her vital role in promoting education and creativity within cultural traditions. Her influence encourages dedication to knowledge and artistic expression.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The deity of learning who plays a significant role in encouraging Potana to remain true to his poetic ideals.[41]