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Name · Sanskrit

सरस्वती

Saraswati

(sarasvatī)

She who flows — goddess of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom

Full Meaning

Sarasvatī is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, speech, and wisdom — the consort of Brahma. Her name means "the flowing one" — she was originally the goddess of a sacred river (the now-lost Sarasvatī River). She holds a veena (lute), a book, and prayer beads — art, knowledge, and spiritual practice.

Etymology

Saras (सरस्) — lake, pool, water, flowing + vatī (वती) — having the quality of. "She who flows" or "she who abounds in waters."

Usage in Sanskrit Texts

Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) is celebrated at the start of spring — students place their books and instruments before her and seek her blessing before examinations.

या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला — White as the jasmine, the moon, and the snow-garland. (Saraswati Vandana)

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