Narrator:
(The sound of a conch shell blowing and spiritual chanting)
Host:
Gurudev, my respects to you.
Gurudev:
Blessings to you.
Host:
In today's episode, I would like to ask you about Saraswati Puja. Goddess Saraswati is the deity of knowledge and wisdom. That is what we have known since childhood, and we have always worshipped her with our books and pens.
Gurudev:
Yes, the presiding deity is indeed Saraswati. Now, there are many stories surrounding her. Saraswati is a creation of Lord Brahma. It is said she was conceived in Brahma's mind. She was so exceptionally beautiful—possessing the grace of Lakshmi and the wisdom of Saraswati—that Brahma had to create four faces just to behold her from all directions. Two eyes weren't enough, so he manifested eyes on all sides to gaze upon her.
Gurudev:
Eventually, he became deeply attracted to her and wanted to marry her. Saraswati, however, was reluctant; since she was his creation, she viewed him as a father figure and found the proposal objectionable.
Gurudev:
Because of this, the other gods were displeased and cursed Brahma. Although he is the creator of the universe, they decreed that he would not be worshipped on Earth. They said, "You shall not be worshipped in the markets, the fields, or the common paths." This is why Brahma is not commonly worshipped in temples or homes.
Gurudev:
However, the priestly class (Brahmins) later conceptualized the presence of Kartikeya and included him in the Durga Puja festivities. There is a specific hymn for him: "Kartikeyam Namasyami Gauri-putram Suta-pradam..."
Gurudev:
The birth of Kartikeya is also quite unique. There were six Krittikas (celestial nymphs). One Krittika gave birth to him, but the other five also wanted to shower him with maternal affection and kisses. The birth mother was initially unhappy with this, so she approached Brahma. In response, Brahma granted Kartikeya six faces (Shadanana), allowing him to receive the love and affection of all six Krittikas simultaneously. Thus, Kartikeya became the six-faced commander of the gods.
Gurudev:
All of this was part of a divine plan to reintroduce a connection to Brahma's lineage through worship, as worshipping Kartikeya is often associated with the continuation of a family line.
Gurudev:
Now, concerning Saraswati, there are two primary forms. One is the form we find in the Tantras, and the other is the common Saraswati worshipped in schools and homes where music and learning are practiced.
Gurudev:
Then there is Mahasaraswati. She is a formidable form who wears a necklace of skulls and is draped in tiger skin. She has eight arms. This fearsome form was worshipped by Manu and is said to have slain powerful demons like Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Gurudev:
There is a meditative verse for her: "Taruna-shakalam-indu-bibhrati shubhra-kanti..." It describes her seated on a white lotus, radiant and holding a book.
Gurudev:
There is also the mention: "Sarasvatyai Namo Nityam Bhadrakalyai Namo Namah." This Bhadrakali is actually Mahasaraswati. The poet Ramprasad sang about her: "You were in the underworld as Bhadrakali, where many gods worshipped you with human sacrifices." She is the primal power, the Great Illusion (Adya-shakti Mahamaya). When the gods could not defeat certain demons, she manifested in the sky, seized them by their hair, and decapitated them with her sword. This is the Tantric Saraswati—powerful and fierce.
Gurudev:
The mantra we usually recite as children during offerings is: "Sarasvatyai Namo Nityam, Bhadrakalyai Namo Namah, Vedavedanta-vedanga-vidyasthanebhya eva cha..."
Host:
Yes, that is the one we remember most from our childhood offerings.
Gurudev:
Some descriptions of her beauty focus on physical attributes, such as the "Kucha-yuga-shobhita" verses, but I find those descriptions inappropriate and prefer not to use them.
Gurudev:
Then there is the form of Vishalakshi. Who worshipped her? It was Kapil Muni, the great sage who resided by the ocean and founded the Sankhya Yoga—the highest form of yoga mentioned in the Gita. He worshipped the "wide-eyed" Goddess Saraswati.
Gurudev:
In the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi), you will find the three great forms: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. These forms are intense and beyond the common mode of worship. Regular people usually worship the gentler form of Saraswati, the goddess of speech and arts.
Gurudev:
You can find more detailed accounts of her in the Markandeya Purana, the Matsya Purana, and the Vayu Purana. These texts contain vast amounts of information that might be overwhelming for the average person.
Gurudev:
There is also a story of her in the underworld. During the battle between Rama and Ravana, Ravana's brother, Mahiravana, kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana to sacrifice them to the Goddess. Hanuman followed them to the underworld. It was prophesied that if Hanuman ever entered the underworld, Mahiravana's end would be certain. Through a clever ruse, Hanuman saved Rama and Lakshmana and defeated Mahiravana. This connects back to the Goddess's presence in the underworld as Bhadrakali.
Gurudev:
Finally, there is a connection between Saraswati and the sun's energy. One of the Ten Mahavidyas (Great Wisdom Goddesses) is Matangi. She is often identified as a form of Saraswati as she is also depicted playing the Veena. While the common Saraswati is gentle, Matangi has a more esoteric and powerful nature.
Gurudev:
Ultimately, whether through the Tantras or common tradition, the Goddess remains the source of all wisdom.
Host:
We have learned so much today—the story of her creation, the curse on Brahma, and the profound nature of Mahasaraswati, which was unknown to many of us. It has been a pleasure to hear this.
Gurudev:
May you all stay healthy and well.
Host:
Respects to you, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Blessings.