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Saraswati, the consort of Brahma, is the goddess of wisdom and knowledge and the goddess of all the fine arts. Brahma requires her knowledge in the act of perfect creation. One needs knowledge to master all endeavors, especially in the fine arts. Saraswati is also the embodiment of spiritual wisdom and many Hindus refer to her as the Mother of the Vedas. |
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This goddess is normally shown with four hands. Two hands are playing the vina (stringed instrument) through which she makes musicthe vibration of soundand spreads the Word. She holds one of the Vedas to remind us of the wisdom that is contained within these texts, including the Upanisads. Her fourth hand holds rosaries that exemplify the need to concentrate through meditation and chanting. It is through acquired knowledge and these acts of devotion that one comes to the Truth. |
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Saraswati often sits on a sacred lotus or flies on the back of a peacock or a swan, which are her vehicles. Every color exists in the peacock; therefore, it represents the earthly world of objects. Sitting astride the peacock, Saraswati is above this world and in the realm of Truth. The swan, which is also Brahma's vehicle, floats on the surface of the water and echoes this same symbol. The swan reminds us that while we live in the world, we must be able to pull free of attachments and desires. |
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