From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, Om Shakti Mandali
Sanaatan Dharma consists of mythology, rites and rituals, and philosophy. When we worship the Divine or celebrate any auspicious occasion, we usually integrate all three aspects.
As we celebrate Saraswati Jayanti, let us appreciate and gain a deeper understanding of the second aspect of worship, the rites and rituals, which form such a significant part of our worship on this occasion. According to the scriptures, certain offerings are symbolically prescribed for specific Devtas. However, as Shree Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita and as Shree Raam also explained to Shabari, it is the love from our heart that is the greatest offering of all.
Some of the offerings prescribed for Saraswati Devi include ghee, dahee, husk rice, sweets prepared with till, sugar cane, sugar cane juice, molasses, honey, coconut, coconut water, ripe plantain, ginger, bael fruit, white flowers and white clothing. Of these offerings, we can use whichever is available to us and offer them with love from our heart. By worshipping Saraswati Devi, many devotees’ lives have been transformed.
Yagyavalkya, a great sage, forgot the Vedas after displeasing his Guru. He then worshipped Surya Devta who blessed him and advised him to worship Saraswati Devi. Through her blessings, knowledge was restored to him.
Vyaasji, who qualified the Puranas and other holy texts, asked Sage Valmiki about another type of scripture which made him confused. There is danger, they say, in too much or too little knowledge. However much knowledge we have, we must practise and apply it. That is the power of enlightened activity, kriya shakti, signified by Saraswati Devi. Similarly, a devotee might get confused when he or she does not remember that Sanaatan Dharma teaches that there is Ek Brahm, One God, with various aspects, powers and functions represented in form and name. Thus, in this instance, Vyaasji prayed with faith and devotion to Saraswati Devi and his intellectual confusion dissipated.
By worshipping Saraswati Devi, her devotees’ state of consciousness will be heightened, beyond the impure and worldly conditions of the mind. Thus, they will receive the light of wisdom. The knowledge bestowed on them will dispel the darkness of ignorance. Eventually, devotees will be freed from the endless cycle of birth and death.
Devotees of Saraswati Devi also receive the following blessings from worshipping her:
- To acquire right knowledge and attain a high degree of intelligence in their fields of study or work;
- Acquire the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, good and evil choices, etc.;
- Granted the power of right and fluent speech;
- Become proficient in music and acquire mastery of musical notes;
- Ascend the pinnacle of excellence in all aspects of human development;
- Inspired to achieve the highest accomplishment in whichever field they choose;
Acquire the ability to create harmony and pure, divine vibrations in all aspects of life
