Hinduism
Many Paths to One God

Saraswati-Goddess of 64 Arts

Saraswati is Brahma's feminine counterpart. Hindus believe that Saraswati is the goddess governing wisdom and sciences. The Sanskrit term "sara" means "essence" and "swa" means "self." Saraswati means the essence of the self.

Saraswati is often represented as a woman with four arms, dressed in a white sari, sitting/standing on a white lotus flower. Her four arms stand for her omnipresence and omnipotence. The front arms reflect her presence and action in the physical world, and her back arms her active presence in the spiritual world.

In her right hands Saraswati holds a book made of palm leaves, and a lotus, symbol of using the knowledge with love and kindness in order to ensure the prosperity of mankind.

In her left hands she wears a necklace of pearls, symbolizing meditation and contemplation, as well as the path leading to samadhi, the total experience of God.
She is accompanied by a white swan. Saraswati is very beautiful, gracious and young. She is the master of the 64 arts including the art of love. As the patron of arts, she sings at the Indian musical string instrument called vina.

"Saraswati, Brahma's feminine counterpart radiates more than the light of ten billions moons. Her ornaments are purified in the heavenly fire.

She is the mother of the Vedas, the embodiment of nature and the patron of the arts and sciences. Saraswati is always smiling and her beauty surpasses all imagination.

Her body is covered in jewels and pearls. When the identification with Saraswati is perfect, all the 64 arts become known."

(Saraswati Stotra)

Saraswati symbolizes Brahma's creative force. All those seeking knowledge, mainly teachers, professors, scientists, students, worship the goddess Saraswati.

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