All about basant panchami - Date, Tithi, Mythology, Rituals and Mantras

Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) 2019 date: Sunday, 10th February 2019

The day for the Goddess of Knowledge and Art is here! It’s Goddess Saraswati’s Birthday which is known as Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami) or better known to be Saraswati Puja in a fewer states of India. This festival- Saraswati Puja is celebrated every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha. On 2019 this festival falls on Sunday, 10 February marking the beginning of spring. Vasant means ‘Spring’ and Panchami means the ‘5th day. Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the deity of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. Believed to be one of the important and distinguished festivals in the Indian states of Uttar-Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana, Tripura and Odisha etc also signifies the end of winter season. Read more

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. Read more

Vasant Panchami Significance

Vasant Panchami is one of the most widely celebrated festivals among the Hindus and holds major significance in West Bengal where they worship Goddess Saraswati on this day. This festival terminates the old winter waves and welcomes the vibrancy of the spring season. The most significant aspect of Vasant Panchami is that it is an extremely auspicious day to begin laying one’s foundations of education of how to read and write. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day, and all Hindu educational institutions conduct special prayer for Saraswati on this day.

It is believed that Vasant Panchami muhurat is extremely auspicious to start any work, do any ritual or take any major decision. Astrologers term this day as ‘Abhuja’ implying that it is auspicious for doing any good work all day long. If you go to the eastern parts of India, you will find that people consider performing many marriages, thread ceremony, yagnyas, house inauguration and much more. Read more

Saraswati Puja Vidhi

Then, the face of the idol remains covered till the priest begins chanting the mantras at the commencement of the puja. A green coconut is placed on an earthen pot with a red checked cotton cloth called “Gamocha”. Marigold flowers are used to decorate the deity. Students place their books and pen in front of the goddess seeking blessings. 

The offerings to the goddess are mainly fruits. Most significant are Berries from the wild plum tree. Sweets must include puffed rice, jaggery and yogurt. Family members bathe early and dress in yellow attire and assemble in front of the Goddess. The earthen pot is tied with a string which will be untied only on the next day by the priest before Bisarjan or the immersion ceremony. 

MATA SARASWATI MANTRA

Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney |

Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey ||

Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey |

Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey ||

 

MAA SARASWATI VANDANA

 Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha|

Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasana||

Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha|

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa

या कुंदेंदु तुषारहार धवला,या शुभ्र वस्त्रावृता |

या वीणावर दण्डमंडितकरा,या श्वेतपद्मासना ||

या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभ्रृतिभिर्देवै: सदा वन्दिता |

सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेष जाड्यापहा ||

शुक्लां ब्रह्मविचार सार परमां आद्यां जगद्व्यापिनीं |

वीणा पुस्तक धारिणीं अभयदां जाड्यान्धाकारापाहां |

हस्ते स्फाटिक मालीकां विदधतीं पद्मासने संस्थितां |

वन्दे तां परमेश्वरीं भगवतीं बुद्धि प्रदां शारदां ||

It is always said to worship Goddess Saraswati with these words, mantras and shlokas to get eternal benediction in the form of knowledge and spirituality. These best forms of standard chants are the seeds of truth, enlightenment  and undying bliss.

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