Saraswati Aarti is an effort of praising and worshipping the revering Goddess Saraswati with its entire religiosity. It is usually done on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. Devi Saraswati is the Goddess of learning and education. She is extremely adored among Hindu students and academicians. Goddess Saraswati is also the ruler of art and music. She is dressed in white attire, ornamented with pearl jewelleries and has a `Veena`(musical instrument) in her hand. A milky white swan accompanies this beautiful goddess.
Legends of Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning worshipped throughout India. She is a part of the trinity (Tridevi) of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. She is also the cause of Ravana`s death as she perverted the mind of queen Kaikayee`s maid Manthara. Her dhyana mantra explains her to be as white as the moon, dressed in a white dress, ornamented in white ornaments, glowing with beauty, holding a book and a pen in her hands. She also shows the souls of the dead to find their way to the life after death. In Rigveda, Saraswati is a river as well as its representation as a goddess. Her vehicle is the auspicious swan, which is also very elegant. In her left hand the Goddess has a Veena or lute and in the right hand she holds a wreath. Her head is decorated with splendid crown of gems and around her neck there is a pearl necklace.
Hymns of Saraswati Aarti
The aarti or `vandana` for Devi Saraswati is:
Jai Sarasvati mata,
jai he Sarasvati mata Sadgun vaibhav shalini,
tribhuvan vikhyata,
Jai Sarasvati.
Chandravadani padmasini dyuti mangalakare,
Sohe shub hansa savare,
atul tejdhari,
Jai Sarasvati.
Baen kar men vina,
daen kar mala,
Shish mukut mani sohe,
gal motiyan mala,
Jai Sarasvati.
Devi sharan jo ae,
unka uddhar kiya,
Paithi Manthra dasi,
Ravan sanhar kiya,
Jai Sarasvati.
Vidya gyan pradayini,
jag men gyan prakash bharo,
Moh aur agyan timir ka jag se nash karo,
Jai Sarasvati.
Dhup dip phal meva,
man svikar karo,
Gyanchakshu de mata,
jag nistar Karo
Jai Sarasvati.
Man Sarasvati ki arti jo koi jan gave,
Hitkari sukhkari,
gyan bhakti pave,
Jai Sarasvati.
This means the follower of Devi Saraswati sings her glory, who is renowned through the three spheres of universe as the treasure-house of all great noble virtues.
Significance of Saraswati Aarti
The follower of Devi Saraswati prays to accept the gift of incense, light, dried fruits and sweets and to endow the world with eyes of knowledge, which ferry across the ocean of phenomenal world. Whosoever sings this hymn to Mother Saraswati, becomes a recipient of knowledge and devotion, both of which are beneficial and yield great happiness.
