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The close association between natural phenomena and such Vedic goddesses as Usas and Prthivi is also seen in the goddess Sarasvati, who is associated with a particular river. Although scholars have debated precisely which river she was identified within Vedic times (The Saraswati river of that period has since disappeared), in the Rgveda her most important characteristics are those of a particular mighty river. Indeed, at times it is not clear whether a goddess or a river is being praised; many references hail the Saraswati river as a mighty goddess.

55 Saraswati is called mighty and powerful. Her waves are said to break down mountains, and her flood waters are described as roaring (6.61.2.8). She is said to surpass all waters in greatness, to be ever active, and to be great among the great. She is said to be inexhaustible, having her source in the celestial ocean. (1.95.1 - 2.5.43-11). She is clearly no mere river but a heaven sent stream that blesses the earth. Indeed, she is said to pervade the triple creation of earth, atmosphere, and the celestial regions. She is praised for the fertility she brings the earth. She is praised or petitioned for wealth, vitality, children, nourishment and immortality, and as such she is called the mother, the best of mothers. As a nourishing, maternal goddess, she is describes in terms similar to Prthivi, she quickens life, is the source of vigour and strength, and provides good luck and material well being to those whom she blesses. In one particular myth she is called upon by unmarried men who yearn for sons. She is some times petitioned for protection and in this aspect is called a sheltering free (7.95.5) and an iron fort, neither image being particularly fluvial. Sarasvati is also closely related to vedic cult, both as a participant in or witness of the cult and as guardian of the cult. She is invoked with and associated with the sacrificial goddess Ida and Bharati and with the goddess Mahi and Hotra, who are associated with prayer (7.37.11 10.65.13). She is said to destroy those who revile the gods. and to be a slayer of Vrtra, a demon.

: 56 Saraswati is described particularly as a purifying presence (1.3.10). Her waters cleanse poison from men (6.61.3). Along with rivers and floods in general, she cleans her petitioners with holy oil and bears away defilements. Anticipating her later nature as a goddess of inspiration, eloquence and learning, the hymns of the Rgueda, also describe Sarasvati as the cite of all pleasant songs, all gracious thought, and every pious thought (1.3.10, 12). In this vein she is similar to the Vedic goddess Vak, with whom she is consistently identified in the Brahmanas. Rgueda X. 75.1, X. 75.5, VI. 61.2 X. 64.9, VII. 96.2, I. 3.10 I. 1.4, III. 9.1-7, III. 1.10. 19.12 I. 3.11, VI. 61.1.6, VI. 6.13 VI. 61.14.