Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja
Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning and arts. Her appearance and attire represents peace and purity as she is fair skinned, in a white dress and seats on a swan and holds veena in her hands. She is goddess of arts like music, dance etc.  She symbolizes the supreme Vedic knowledge. It is also told worshipping the mother of Vedas, Goddess Saraswati, gives intellect, alertness and hence Saraswati puja is done. Saraswati is also said to be a form of river.

In North India, Saraswati puja is done on one of the days of navaratri. In south, Saraswati puja is done specially on Vasanth panchami/ Sree panchami. It falls in the month of Maagha (Jan/Feb). Vasantha panchami is said to be birthday of Goddess saraswati. In West Bengal, south India etc it is a big spring time celebration.
On this day various deities of Saraswati are placed and worshipped, with great respect and fervour. People put rangolis with a fish design in it, and believes that it beings luck to them. Goddess is worshipped with berries, flowers, and fruits. The idols of Saraswati are decorated with flowers and turmeric and then puja is done. Varieties of sweets are made on this day. Kids are made to write for the first time in their life, on this day. Students place their books in front of goddess and pray for her blessings.

Saraswati puja is celebrated with great pomp and joy in Saraswati peetams etc. Basara, in Andhra Pradesh performs many poojas and vratas on this day, with great reverence.

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