Students often worship Maa Saraswati before examinations or to help them with their studies. She is the principle of the Divine Energy that is associated with knowledge, speech and the fine arts as well as infinite and enlightened knowledge. However, beyond intellectual endeavours, devotees must worship the various aspects of Devi, including Maa Saraswati, at all times. The classroom examination is just preparation for life itself.
There are three main functions that are essential to human life: Icchaa Shakti, willpower, symbolised by Durga; Gyaan Shakti, the power of wisdom, symbolised by Lakshmi and Kriyaa Shakti, the power of enlightened activity, symbolised by Saraswati. Each shakti is essential in life. The Bhagavad Gita says that no one can remain inactive even for a moment. Everybody is bound to action. Saraswati Devi symbolises the power of activity. Her vehicle is hamsa, the swan, which is said to possess the power of separating milk from water; that is the power of discrimination. Ganesh Baba also represents that power of vivek or discernment between the real and unreal. Often, you see Him depicted together with Saraswati Maa.
At a symbolic level, this means that knowledge must include insight or application to be useful. Saraswati is enlightened activity. The Gita says you are entitled to the actions but not to the fruits thereof. Many of us act, but there’s an expectation, and expectations are the cause of unhappiness. Application not only means the ability to apply knowledge but also the intent behind the action. Our attitude and intent are most important in devotion.
Maa Saraswati symbolises the right type of knowledge, with understanding, with right action through dharmic works. We leave the fruits or consequences of these actions in the hands of the Divine. The Divine knows what is best for us. We must do our work dispassionately and to the best of our ability. We must be introspective of the challenges, obstacles and disappointments that life sometimes throws our way. Do these happenings lead to anger and frustration or do we apply our spiritual knowledge? This application of knowledge is power, according to the Vedas. When we surrender to the Divine, success comes, and circumstances work out for the best.
From a metaphysical perspective, the Triveni in India consists of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers and the mystical stream, Saraswati. Just as these three bodies of water merge at Prayag, similarly, within the human body, three channels of bioenergy flow upwards from the Muladhaara chakra at the base of the spine and merge at the Ajna chakra, located in the forehead. These three channels of sustenance: the Ida Naadi, Pingala Naadi and Sushumna Naadi energise the body, fortifying it with the requisite energy to successfully carry out all bodily functions. Symbolically represented, Gangaa is representative of the Ida Naadi, the stream of bhakti or devotion; the underground stream Saraswati is symbolic of the Pingala Naadi, signifying gyaan, the stream of wisdom, while the Yamuna, the Sushumna Naadi, is representative of karma, the stream of selfless action. The worship of Saraswati Devi enables this flow of wisdom that takes one out of a state of ignorance to one of empowerment and self-realisation.
From a Sunday morning service with Paramacharya of SWAHA, Pt Hardeo Persad
