A revered festival in India, Saraswati Puja worships Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, creativity and intelligence. It is celebrated in various states, especially in West Bengal, Orissa, Delhi, Assam and Bihar, and is also known as ‘Basant Panchami’ in many regions. The day marks the arrival of the spring season and is dedicated to seeking blessings for learning, music and art.
Worshipped as the goddess of knowledge, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped during Basant Panchami to seek blessings for knowledge and creativity. Portrayed in a serene white sari, holding a veena and books, she is seated on a lotus with a swan beside her, symbolizing purity and wisdom. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Maa Saraswati seeking freedom from ignorance and lethargy. Maa Saraswati is the supreme source of inspiration for students and those engaged in education. On this day, parents teach alphabets to children, which is known as Akshar Abhyasam or Vidyarambham, which marks the beginning of the child’s education journey.
According to Drik Panchangam, “Although there is no specific time to perform Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami, one must ensure that the Puja is performed during Panchami Tithi. Sometimes Panchami Tithi does not last for the entire day on Vasant Panchami, so it is important to perform Saraswati Puja within Panchami Tithi.”
► Basant Panchami: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
► Basant Panchami Muhurat – 09:14 to 12:26
► Duration – 03 hours 12 minutes
► Basant Panchami Madhyahna Moment – 12:26
► Panchami Tithi Begins – 09:14 on February 02, 2025
► Panchami Tithi Ends – 06:52 on February 03, 2025
Saraswati Puja rituals involve elaborate preparations and deep devotion. Temples and homes come alive with prayers, music and chanting of hymns. Common offerings include mango wood and leaves, turmeric, kumkum, Gangajal, Kalash and Saraswati Yantra. Wearing yellow clothes, considered the color of wisdom and prosperity, is customary for this day.
► Prepare the Puja Site: Create an altar with a clay or marble idol of Goddess Saraswati. Decorate it with marigold and lotus flowers. Place books, pens and educational material near the idol, it is believed to bring divine blessings.
► Wear Yellow: Wearing yellow or orange on Saraswati Puja is considered auspicious, as these colours symbolise knowledge and prosperity.
► Perform Puja: Start the day early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta. Take a purifying bath and prepare the puja site with flowers, sweets and fruits. Perform daily rituals like burning incense, offering flowers and sweets and chanting mantras. Start with Saraswati Vandana to seek the blessings of the Goddess and perform the puja rituals thereafter.
According to the Drik Panchangam, Saraswati or Kundendu is the most famous stuti dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is part of the famous Saraswati Stotram. It is recited during Saraswati Puja on the eve of Vasant Panchami.
Or Kundendutushahardhavala or Shubhravastravritta.
Or Veenavardandamanditkara or Shwetapadmasana.
Or Brahmachyut Shankarprabhritibhirdevai: Sada Vandita.
Sa Maa Patu Saraswati Bhagwati Nihsheshjadyapaha॥1॥
Shukla Brahmavichara essence Paramamadya Jagadvaipini.
Veena-Book-Dharinimabhaydam Jadyandhakarapaham.
Haste sphatikmaalikaan viddhatim padmasane sansthiam.
Vande Tam Bhagavan Bhagwati Buddhipradam Saradam ॥2॥
Saraswati Puja is not only a day of spiritual growth but also a celebration of learning, creativity and knowledge.
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