Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of learning and the arts. She is the
daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. Goddess Saraswati is first
referred to in literature as the personification of the sacred river,
the Saraswati, also known as Sarasvati, and is also identified with Vac,
the goddess of speech. In later Hinduism Saraswati is usually considered
the consort of the God Brahma (the promulgator of the Veda), but she
enjoys an autonomous position as the patroness of art, music and
letters.It is believed that Goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. The goddess has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning; mind, intellect, alertness and ego. The goddess has sacred scriptures in one hand, a lotus in the second hand, which is a symbol of true knowledge. With her other two hands, the goddess plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called Veena (violoin). Goddess Saraswati is dressed in white, which symbolizes purity and rides on a white swan that symbolises Sattwa Guna (purity) and discrimination.
Goddess Saraswati is annually worshiped with great enthusiasm by Hindu students and teachers alike at the advent of spring, when the Hindu year occurs in January-February.
The idols of Goddess Saraswati are usually crafted in the following materials :
- Brass
- Wood
- Stone