Vasant Panchami: Knowledge is Saraswati power



Saraswati

Vasant Panchami, considered to be the first day of Spring in much of India, is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magh.  In 2011, this date corresponds with February 8 of the Gregorian calendar.

During Vasant Panchami, Hindus celebrate Saraswati – the goddess of art, music, and knowledge itself.  According to Wikipedia, the Sanskrit name Saraswati includes two parts:  “flow” (saras)and  “woman” (wati).  The merger of these two concepts connotes the beautiful flow of knowledge throughout the universe.  Bansi Pandit adds that the name Saraswati can also be divided like this:  “essence” (sara) and “self” (swa).  In other words, Saraswati represents profound knowledge of the Divine Self.

Symbolism abounds within the artistic depictions of Saraswati.  Pandit explains that she is usually shown with four arms – the front two symbolizing her physical existence, and the back two symbolizing her spiritual presence.  Her four hands represent the mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), conditioned consciousness (chitta), and ego (ahankara).  Saraswati is usually holding a musical instrument in the two hands that represent mind and intellect.  This symbolizes the importance of fine-tuning both those faculties in order to experience true harmony.

In keeping with Saraswati’s focus upon knowledge, it is during the Vasant Panchami festival that children often learn to write their very first words.  Special prayers are said within many educational centers.  Yellow, associated with both intellect and Spring, is the color of the day.  It manifests in the fanciful clothing, and even in the sweets that are served.

Spring is that time of year when thoughts naturally turn to love.  Love that is not rooted in Saraswati’s Divine Knowledge can soon wither.  Love that is rooted in Saraswati’s Divine Knowledge is said to never lose its power.

Resources

http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God10.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saraswati

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasant_Panchami