By Rev. Merrie Hutchins

Sarasvati, whose name means “flowing water”, is the Hindu Mother Goddess of wisdom, learning, writing and account books. She is also known as Brahmi, Vagdevi (Goddess of Speech) and Bharati. In later Puranic literature she as Brahmi became the first consort of the creator god Brahma. Other texts connect her with Laksmi as the consort of Visnu.

As a river goddess, she pours forth a flood of energy. The actual river Sarasvati has since disappeared, but she may also be linked with the Indus Sarasvati’s source of strength is the primeval water so she is inexhaustible and is also the bringer of fertility and bountiful harvests. By inference, she produces prosperity, which explains the possible connection to Laksmi. Her waves are said to smash mountains and her voice is the voice of torrent.

As patron of the arts, Sarasvati rules the arts of civilization including music, mathematics, the alphabet, calendars, magick, the Vedas and all branches of learning. As “Mother of the Vedas”, her inspiration, she is credited with inventing Sanskrit and is also the patron of students. Schoolchildren during Sarasvati’s festivals will offer her books, pencils, and pens before they begin class. Her image often appears on the portals of school gates.

Sarasvati is depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in white (her color) with a crescent moon on her forehead. Sometimes she has four arms, but usually two and sometime she is shown with three heads. She is shown either riding a peacock or swan or seated upon a lotus; with a lute, bell, book and water jar.

Sarasvati’s presence purifies, as she is the one who slew the demonic god of chaos Vrtra. Her festival began by cleaning the inkstands and pens. Today we can replicate this by cleaning our computer desks and filing our papers. The Indian ritual consists of sounds, rhythms, gestures, flowers, light, incense, and offerings; all designed to draw awareness from the physical into the spiritual.

SUPPLIES: offering of sugar (cane if possible) or flowers (preferably lotus), peacock or swan feathers, bell, Indian music CD, candle, incense, paper, pen, Sarasvati statue or picture, cauldron or thurible....

Place the Sarasvati statue upon the altar and play the Indian music. At the East, place the feathers in front of the statue and say:

“By feathers of the Air,

Sarasvati please enter here.”

At the South, place the candle in front of the statue, light it and say:

“Sarasvati, by the light of fire

Your presence please I require.”

At West, sprinkle the statue with droplets of water and say:

“As Your river flows to the sea

Enter my circle please, Sarasvati.”

At the North, place the flowers upon the altar and say:

Sarasvati, sugar sweet,

I place these flowers at your feet.”

Now at the altar, ring the bell towards the four quadrants, above, below and center; and say:

The bell rings, Sarasvati sings,

Let’s see what the future brings.”

Lights the incense and get out the pen and paper. Writes down what you want help with from Sarasvati concerning the creative arts, science, music, poetry, learning and teaching. Sarasvati will bestow inspiration, diligence, knowledge and all necessary ingredients for success.

Place the petitions in front of the Sarasvati statue and settle down to meditate upon your requests. See your goal firmly in your mind taking form and shape and coming into being.

When done, light the petitions one by one from the candle flame and burn them in the thurible while chanting:

“Sarasvati gowned in white

With a crescent on Your brow

Guide me with Your splendid light

And bring to me success now.”

Thank Sarasvati by saying:

“By feather, fire, flowers and sea,

Farewell and thanks, Sarasvati.”

The ashes are scattered to the wind.