Shri
Saraswati
Mother
Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma
and the presiding deity or knowledge and wisdom.
During Dasara, the 10th day called
Vijaya Dashami is often
called as Vidya Dashami also when Shri
Sharada pooja takes place in schools. In
Mangalore
there is Sharada festival in Shri
Venkatramana Temple on a grand
scale. In homes virtually there are no
idols or Saraswati pooja.
Shri
Vagdevi Saraswati :
There
are no temples, no shrines and for Goddess
Saraswati no day to day worship in GSB temples
as the presiding deity, but invariably
she is remembered during poojas both in homes
and temples by reciting
the Rigvedic Prayer, Shri Sukta which is
addressed to Shri Vagdevi or the Goddess of
Speech who is none other than Shri Saraswati.
This sukta, unlike other prayers, is in the
first person and the deity tells about herself very
vocally. It opens with the words, “I am the
supporter to the deities, Mitra, Varuna, Indra,
Agni and Ashwin(who in fact are the most
prominent deities of the Vedas). I am the
Maheshwari of this universe and the giver of
everything to those who seek shelter in me. I
reside in all the living beings as the source of
life. Carrying the Rudra Dhanush, I also punish
those who do not have faith in God. Even, devas
worship me….”