Saraswati Mantra: Goddess of Music & Wisdom
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of wisdom, music and the arts. Her name means “the flowing one.” Her mantras often contain the seed syllable AIM, a feminine counterpart to OM. The bija syllable AIM is purported to strengthen the voice, clear the senses and open the lungs.
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Saraswati Mahadevi Mantra
The words to this Saraswati mantra are “Om Aim Saraswati, Mahadevi Saraswati.” The general meaning is, “Homage to Saraswati, highest form of the Divine Mother.” A word by word translation follows below:
OM: OM is often included at the beginning of a mantra to clear the mind for meditation. OM is said to draw the energy from the bottom of the spine to the top of the head. The energy of OM is one of expansion and ascension. In terms of healing, OM brings prana into the subconscious mind. OM is the sound of the sun and sheds light on addictive tendencies and negative emotions, bringing them to light for healing and transmutation.
AIM: AIM (ieem) is the feminine counterpart of the bija mantra OM. The “AI” in AIM is pronounced “eye.” AIM is a manifest form of OM, that which is created and seen versus that which is purely in consciousness. AIM is the supreme shakti or feminine force known as Adi Shakti. AIM appears in many mantras to the goddesses and the Divine Mother. AIM is the seed mantra of Saraswati
SARASWATI: Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, art and speech. Saraswati is revered in Hinduism, Jainism and some Buddhist sects. Her name means “one who leads to the essence of self-knowledge.”
MAHADEVI: Mahadevi means the highest or best form of God as the Divine Feminine or Goddess. “Maha” means “greatest or best.” Devi means god in a feminine form. Deva would be the counterpart of God in a masculine form.
Learn about another Hindu deity!
Mantra for Universal Wisdom
There is another Saraswati mantra to remove fear and illuminate the minds of knowledge seekers. This mantra means: “Saraswati, you are the great wave of universal wisdom. You flow like a river and awaken our minds. You shine as the embodiment of wisdom.”
Words of the mantra: “Maho, Arnah Saraswati Pracheyati Ketuna, Dhiyo Vishwa Virajati”
A Beautiful Saraswati Legend
In ancient times, the ability to recite poetry and memorize Vedic scriptures was a highly honored skill. A famous Brahmin scholar had a son who was good-hearted but appeared to be less than average intellectually. In fact, he could not even speak correctly. This was an embarrassment to his father, who thought the boy was not worth educating.
Meeting a Young Woman in Distress
As a result, the son was set to tasks of manual labor: cleaning, carrying water and so forth. These were responsibilities usually assigned to women. One day when he went to fetch water, he saw a beautiful young woman in distress by the river. He thought perhaps she had been robbed or abandoned by her family.
Receiving the Blessings of Saraswati
The young man rescued her. He took her home to give her water and food. As she left the home in deep gratitude, she turned and touched her finger to his tongue. He suddenly began to recite complex and subtle poetry in Sanskrit and became a famous orator. The poetry that he created was so beautiful that he exceeded his own father in fame. The young maiden was Saraswati in disguise.
The Many Names of Saraswati
Goddesses often have multiple names reflecting all of their qualities and powers. Many have a thousand names! Saraswati is known by several lovely names including the following:
Saraswati Mata: Mother of Water and Lakes
Bharadi Mata: Mother of Wisdom and Science
Bilvani Mata: Mother of the Woods
Brahmani Mata: Mother Who is the Power of Lord Brahma
Chandrika Mata: Mother of the Moon
Gyanada Mata: Mother of the Vedas
Hamsini Mata: Mother Who Rides the Swan
Kadambari Mata: Mother of the Kadamba Flowers
Malini Mata: Fragrant Mother
Pavaki Mata: Mother of Learning
Saradha Mata: Mother of the Harvest/Autumn
Shutradevi Mata: Mother of Knowledge
Author Kathleen Karlsen
Kathleen Karlsen is a musician, artist, writer and speaker. She is the author of two books (Flower Symbols and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Kathleen, her husband Andrew, and their five children live in Bozeman, Montana. More about Kathleen Karlsen.
