Kamalasana Vina-Vadini Saraswati

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Seated on lotus, the micro-miniaturised form of cosmos, both, Saraswati and Lakshmi, are conceived as pervading it. In early stages of the evolution of their imagery Lakshmi in her usual form carried lotuses in all four hands, while Saraswati, just in two, suggesting that, besides pervading, they also upheld cosmos, though while Lakshmi sustained it by abundant riches, Saraswati attributed to knowledge equal importance. Hence, besides lotuses, she also carried rosary and book, and as knowledge transmitted either through sound or through script, the rosary : the most potential tool of articulating sound, and book, the most effective source of scripted knowledge, gained greater significance in the iconography of Saraswati. In the course of time in her subsequent images rosary and book continued as before but lotuses disappeared from among the attributes she carried in her hands. The rosary articulated the sound within, not beyond, and knowledge descended within but also expanded beyond. Hence in subsequent images, as in this statue, her images were conceived carrying in two of her hands a ‘vina’ – the tool of vibrating by its sound-waves the space beyond, alternating the lotuses of the prior iconography. As ever, she pervaded the cosmos, and hence, her lotus-seat, though not always and essentially. Symbolising primarily the hidden riches lotus was almost rigidified as an element of the iconography of Lakshmi.

This brass statue, excellent in modeling and plasticity, especially in portraying a mild smile floating on lips and divine contentment on the face, represents goddess Saraswati as seated on a large wide open lotus. The goddess has been represented with her right leg stretched horizontally towards left in semi-yogasana posture, and the left, as suspending down – a sitting posture known in Indian iconographic traditions as ‘lalitasana’: a seating posture revealing rare beauty. A little raised knee is supporting on it the vina’s head : the part with large drum. As usual, the figure of the goddess has been conceived with four arms; the upper right holding ‘japamala’ or rosary, the normal left, the text, and the normal right and upper left, a vina. Rosary and book, and even lotus, are the attributes she shares with Brahma, her spouse. Though most appropriate and logical to her iconography as the goddess of learning, she is sometimes said to inherit these attributes from Brahma’s iconography. Fully enrapt she is lost in the melody that she is herself producing. The movement of fingers of her upper right hand suggests that she is simultaneously turning the beads. Similarly the fingers of her normal right and upper left hands are also moving vibrating the strings of vina quite realistically.

In its anatomical proportions and iconography the statue adheres to the norms and standards of early bronze-casting. It represents the goddess as the model of timeless youth and unparalleled beauty more like a youthful maid rather than a goddess. Vina in her hands has not been carried like a formal attribute but as part of her personality and her reality. Apart, her fingers seem to move and its strings vibrate. Her eyes aptly depict her absorption in the celestial music emitting from her instrument. Unlike the early iconography of her images in which a mere ‘antariya’ – lower wear, alone comprises her ensemble, the goddess in this image, perhaps in consideration of contemporary temperament, has been represented as wearing a sari and a sleeved blouse covering her figure almost in entirety. The vigour of her perpetual youth reflects in the glow of her face. She is wearing a crown with moderate height and has behind her head a celestial halo. The figure of the goddess has been modestly and gracefully adorned with usual ornaments.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.

Unveiling the Wisdom and Creativity of Saraswati: A Deeper Understanding

Mother Saraswati is one of the three principal Goddesses in Hinduism who are known as “Tridevi”; the other two being Lakshmi and Parvati. In the Vedic scriptures, she is mentioned as the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator of the material world, and thus assists him in his activities. She is often depicted as having a beautiful youthful body with four arms holding a book (represents the Vedas), a rosary (signifying the importance of chanting the holy names of the Supreme Lord Vishnu), a water pot, and a musical instrument called Veena. She sits on a white swan that symbolizes the capacity to discriminate between good and evil.

She is worshiped by many people across the globe in different forms. She is the Goddess of knowledge, art, music, speech, and learning. People in parts of India celebrate Saraswati Puja in the month of spring in which the elders of the family begin the day by taking the blessings of Mother Saraswati and then teach their children to read and write the letters of the alphabet.

Can Saraswati idol be kept at home?

Goddess Saraswati is the manifestation or expansion of Goddess Lakshmi or Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of the Supreme Lord. She is very merciful toward all living entities and blesses them with whatever material desires they have. But if one sincerely and genuinely approaches her and serves her to know about the Absolute Truth and the real aim of human life, she bestows all good fortune upon them and inspires them to walk the path toward the Supreme. Thus, if you want to please Mother Saraswati through your selfless service, you can keep her deity at home and worship her with faith and devotion.

Where should we keep a Saraswati idol at home?

Knowing that Goddess Saraswati is worthy of our respectful obeisance at her lotus feet is important. If you have a deity of Mother Saraswati at home or are planning to buy one, the best place to keep it is the altar. She should be worshiped with the right attitude and mindset. However, if you want to keep the deity in your living room for spiritualizing the space, you should keep it on a clean surface.

What is the benefit of keeping a Saraswati idol?

Keeping and worshiping the deity of Goddess Saraswati at your home will be highly beneficial for the whole family. As she is the bestower of knowledge, she can bless you with a good memory, intelligence, and artistic skills. If you worship her with full faith and surrender, she will guide you to the path of the Absolute Truth, the way back home, back to Godhead. This is the ultimate fruit of worshiping her.