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Vasant Panchami Mythology – Legends of Saraswati Puja

Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the eve of the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. It has many mythological stories related to its celebration. It is believed that on this day Goddess Saraswati was born. The story of Saraswati puja is related to ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’ and ‘Matsya Purana’.

Legends of Goddess Saraswati

A popular folklore that’s associated with the festival is that of the legendary poet Kalidasa. As per the story, Kalidasa was a simpleton and was tricked into marrying a princess who didn’t respect him. A dejected Kalidasa tried to take his life but just before he could commit suicide, the goddess Saraswati appeared in front of him and asked him to take a dip in the river. The man did as he was told, and emerged from the water an intelligent, knowledgeable and cultured person, who would eventually become a renowned poet. Which is why on this day, the goddess is worshipped so that she may bestow the gift of knowledge to her devotees.

Saraswati plays the veena, the symbol of divine music, holds the book of inner knowledge and the mala as the power of mantra. She has a charming human form, diversely portrayed in painting and sculpture throughout the centuries. She rides the swan of elegant movements, or the peacock.

There are numerous stories which people believe depending on their region.

Most widely accepted mythology of Saraswati Puja:

Saraswati evolved from the mouth of Lord Brahma on this particular day. So much so was her beauty and elegance that Brahma himself fell for her. To know this interesting mythological story in detail you can refer the article. “Brahma’sHead Chopped Off – Who Is The Girl Behind?“

Western India region people believe: She is believed to be the daughter of Lord Surya and hence is known as ‘Surya Kanya’. She is also said to be married to Kartikeya and is related with lions and peacocks.

Eastern India region people believe: She is said to be the daughter of Goddess Parvati. People say that she was one of the three wives of Lord Vishnu – Saraswati, Ganga, and Lakshmi.

Start Of 40 Days Before Holi

It is believed that this is the day when Goddess Rati went into severe penance for a duration of 40 days after Lord Shiva turned her husband Kamadeva into ashes. Her penance brought colors later and hence her husband was revived from the curse. On the day of BasantPanchami, Shiva finally relented and brought Kamdeva back to life. Which is why Kamadeva, the god of love and desire, is worshipped along with his wife Rati on this day.

The Source Of Life Of The Aryans

Yet another legend elucidates the observation of this festival since the Aryan era. It is believed that the Aryans travelled through Khyber Pass and crossed the Saraswati River to reach India. When they settled in, the Saraswati River became an important source of life for them, so the celebration became a routine.

Celebration Of Start Of Spring

The start of spring is felt in the air on this day, especially in the North where the advent of chilly winters is suddenly taken over by the spring. The new leaves and blossoms appear in the trees visible.

Celebration Of Harvest

People belonging to the Uttarakhand region worship the mother earth and crops as well along with Goddess Saraswati. People worship by placing cow dung heaps in the fields, and keep ears of barley and wheat on the heaps. Earthen lamps and incense are lit on the heap to signify worship to the mother god and the crops or agriculture. Ears of corn and barley are also tied to doors and windows of buildings. People eat sweet rice and wear yellow.

Festival Of Kites

In the region of Punjab people celebrate the flying of kites on a large scale in this day. You will see the sky looking beautiful with different colors of kites. Tourism is also attracted on this day from elsewhere.