Vasanta Pañcamī
वसन्तपञ्चमी
Celebrated annually on the fifth day in the bright half of Māgha, today marks the festival honoring goddess Sarasvatī (goddess of l Learning, wisdom & music), Vasantapañcamī.
Sarasvatī is known as the goddess of wisdom, language, music and the arts. She symbolizes that creative intelligence, who is invoked to awaken within us the memory of who we really are.
Consort to Lord Brahmā, she is that shakti (power) who is the original sound, the nād, who exists as the channels in our body, the invisible river, who’s impulse spurs Brahmā to breathe life into creation.
Many honor Vasanta Pañcamī or Sarasvatī pūjā by wearing yellow, offering and eating yellow foods, as it is said to be Sarasvatī favorite color. This is symbolic for the fertility of spring, with its budding flowers and ripening crops. Today is held auspicious to begin one’s studies, take initation and engage in the arts and learning of all kinds.
There are many legends associating this festival with the blossoming of love, passion and emotional anticipation — one is remembered as the day when Kāmadeva (god of love) was said to be approached by the Rishi’s (seers) to interrupt Lord Siva’s meditation so Pārvatī, after her arduous tapasya, could receive him as her husband. When Siva awakened from his meditation, his third eye was said to burn Kāmadeva to ashes.
Aum Aim Saraswatyai Namaha | ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः