Thoughts about Saraswati Vandana on Vasanta Panchami; about worshipping the Goddess of wisdom, knowledge, eloquence and arts for peace and happiness.
Saraswati Vandana on Vasanta Panchami
‘Saraswati’! This devine word means wisdom and eloquence in Sanskrit. And, that’s why our ancestors have been worshipping ‘Saraswati’ as the Goddess of education and knowledge.
Wisdom wards off ignorance, just like the way spring overtakes winter in Maagha month in Bharat (India). Hence, it is no wonder why Maagha month is considered auspicious by our ancestors, the worshipers of nature. Also, devotees perform Saraswati Vandana on Vasanta Panchami, to seek blessings from the Goddess of wisdom, knowledge and arts.
This year, Vasanta Panchami fell on 10 of February. We performed Saraswati Vandana on Vasanta Panchami for the first time. (Don’t know why we South Indians perform Saraswati Pooja on Vijayadashsmi as Vidyadashami instead of Vasanta Panchami.)
Kashmirapuravasini Saraswati in thoughts
A popular shloka of Saraswati Devi has been in thoughts since Vasanta Panchami. The shloka is as follows:
नमस्ते शारदे देवि काश्मीरपुरवासिनि।
त्वामहं प्रार्थये नित्यं विद्यां बुद्धिं च देहि मे।।
(Namaste Shaarade Devi Kaashmiira-Pura-Vaasini
Tvaam-Aham Praarthaye Nityam Vidyaam-Buddhim Ca Dehi Me)
Meaning of this shloka by ‘Green Message’ is as follows:
Salutations to Devi Sharada, Who abide in the abode of Kashmira,
To You, O Devi, I always pray (for Knowledge); Please bestow on me the gift of that Knowledge and wisdom (which illumines everything from within).
The Sharada Devi’s temple mentioned above is now in POK which is known as Azad Kashmir. But, what our Kashmir has been facing since partition? Fight between ignorance and wisdom… Fight between terrorism and peace… Fight between captivity and freedom… Not only Kashmir, but whole world now needs that Azadi which awakens consciousness to live and to let others to live… I believe, no religion preaches terrorism, but it is only a misinterpretation.
Tributes to the real Heroes of Kashmir
Remembering all the soldiers martyred at Pulwama🙏 Tributes to all the soldiers who are fighting for peace🙏 May the Goddess of Wisdom bless everyone to ‘Live and let live’.
Note: As a welcome to spring, Maagha shukla panchami is being celebrated as Vasanta Panchami in Bharat, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, also in Bali and Indonesia in different ways. Links for more details:
5th August, 2019
Jammu, Kashmir and Ladhak, the land of wisdom, towards Azadi from article 370 & 35A. Entire nation celebrates!
Happy Vasanths Panchami