"Saraswati Avahan"- Invoking the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom

"Saraswati Avahan" means 'invocation of Devi Saraswati, the holy embodiment of knowledge.'

During Shardiya Navratri, Mata Saraswati is worshipped for three days. The very first day of 'Saraswati Puja' during 'Navratri Puja' is called "Saraswati Avahan."

As per the Hindu calendar, "Saraswati Avahan" falls on the seventh day (Maha Saptami) in the month of Ashwin during Shukla Paksha. While as per the Gregorian calendar, it lies in the month of either October or November.

This year, the very propitious festival of "Saraswati Avahan" is on the 9th of October ‘24.

Importance of 'Saraswati Avahan':

As this day is solely dedicated to the worship of Devi Saraswati, it holds immense significance in Hinduism. The Hindu shastras mention that Mata Saraswati had helped Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) in the creation and maintenance of this universe.

She's believed to be the inspirational aspect of Devi Shakti.

Saraswati, also known as Vani, signifies the essence of speech.

The ancient tales mention following about Maa Saraswati:

Long ago, the world made by Lord Brahma was all mixed up and lacked peace and creativity. Seeing this, Lord Brahma understood that only knowledge could save the world from falling apart. That's when Goddess Saraswati appeared from his mouth, riding a swan, holding a musical instrument called veena and some important Shastras called the Vedas. She brought order and wisdom to the universe.

In the symbolic realm, Saraswati's swan represents purity, emphasizing the need for pure thoughts and actions. Drawing a parallel to the swan's ability to find sustenance in mud, we are encouraged to unearth knowledge even in seemingly unfavorable circumstances. The swan's discernment, skillfully separating milk from water, serves as a reminder for us to cultivate differentiation in our pursuit of wisdom. Just as the swan's wings remain dry, signifying non-attachment, we are prompted to perform our duties without becoming entangled and to gracefully move forward after each endeavor.

Rituals & Observances:

Being one of the mighty Devis of Hindu Dharma, Mata Saraswati is worshipped whole heartedly by the people on 'Saraswati Avahan' to receive her divine blessings.

On the day of 'Saraswati Avahan', an idol of Maa Saraswati is installed.

As per Vedic Astrology, performing Saraswati Puja during "Mula Nakshatra" is very blissful, as it considered to be her birth nakshatra (star). Generally, the total time duration for the Puja is approximately five hours, but it keeps on changing from year to year.

As per Drik Panchang,

Saraswati Avahan on Wednesday, 9th of October ‘24

• Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat - 10:25 to 16:42

• Duration - 06 Hours 17 Mins

• Mula Nakshatra Begins - 28:08+ on 8th of October ‘24

• Mula Nakshatra Ends - 29:15+ on 9th of October ‘24

In the observance of Saraswati Avahan, devotees recite sacred mantras, invoking Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings, guidance, and protection. An integral part of the puja involves the ritual washing of the goddess's feet, signifying reverence and purification.

Devotees, guided by a solemn vow (Sankalp), engage in the 'Alankaram' tradition, adorning the idol with Chandan and Kumkum. Offerings of flowers and incense contribute to the ritual, creating an atmosphere of spiritual devotion.

As Saraswati Avahan approaches, devotees prepare a special 'Naivedyam' meal, aligning with the deity's preference for the color white. This meal is an offering to Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing gratitude and devotion.

Post-puja, the sacred Naivedyam becomes prasad, shared among the gathered devotees. The devotional ambiance continues with the recitation of bhajans, aimed at pleasing Goddess Saraswati. Additionally, some devotees choose to honor the occasion by observing a fast on the eve of Saraswati Avahan, adding a dimension of personal sacrifice and spiritual discipline to the celebration.

Conclusion:

The occasion concludes with 'Saraswati Visarjan.'

As Mata bids us farewell, she presents us with a dual blessing—spiritual and worldly wisdom—and urges us to discern our needs. As the embodiment of unified knowledge, she mirrors a river, compelling us to choose how we channel this life force: for nourishment and growth or, alternatively, for selfish motives that may unleash destructive currents.