Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge as well as the arts.

She is seen as the creative power that is Brahma, her male counterpart. She represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati is seen with 4 arms each holding something of significance, her four arms also

corresponds to four aspects of human personality in learning. In one hand she holds a rosary (string of beads) signifying concentration and meditation which is outlined in the aspect of ego. It is said that if true knowledge is gained with love and devotion it will result in moksha (liberation from the physical world). In another hand, she holds a book indicating that knowledge gained throughout life must be used to help others to

lead to prosperity of life. This book denotes the aspect of alertness, learning is not only restricted to schools but throughout life experiences. In Sarawatis front 2 hands she holds a musical instrument known as the veena. This aspects associated with the veena are mind and intellect. The veena is portrayed this way as living in harmony with the mind allows one to use what they have

learned to help the rest of mankind. Saraswati is usually depicted in the usual stance and background. For one, she sits on a lotus wearing a white sari (type of clothing). The lotus itself signifies Supreme Reality, which is interpreted as supreme knowledge. Also the fact that she wears white is a symbol of purity and knowledge; therefore she is the embodiment of pure knowledge.

Saraswatis vehicle (animal form) is a swan. A swan, in the Hindu faith, indicates the power of discrimination (able to determine right from wrong). This sends the message that when using knowledge for the good of humanity will result in prosperity whereas using that knowledge against others can destroy the world. Saraswati is usually seen with a peacock, but it is not her carrier. The peacock represents

arrogance and is said to be only concerned with outer beauty. Therefore, it can be interpreted as the known message: outer beauty is not important when acquiring true knowledge.

Works Cited:

Information http://www.lotussculpture.com/sarasvati.htm http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/saraswati.htm http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God10.html http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/p/saraswati.htm Images http://msp202.photobucket.com/albums/aa133/mexgeisha/saraswati.jpg http://www.ttsworld.com.au/saraswati.JPG http://chotai.org/Saraswati4Resize%201142sarasvatiandpeacock.jpg http://baasara.com/images/250px-SARASWATHI.jpg