Saraswati Puja During Navratri: Know important rituals and mantras

Saraswati Puja During Navratri

Saraswati Puja is a significant ritual observed during Sharad Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati—the Hindu deity of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts. In 2024, Saraswati Puja will be celebrated from Wednesday, October 9 to Sunday, October 13. During these days, devotees invoke Goddess Saraswati's blessings for academic growth and artistic excellence.

Saraswati Puja 2024: Date and Time

1. Saraswati Avahan (Invocation): The first day involves inviting the goddess to take her place at the altar. Devotees prepare a special space, adorn it with flowers, and place books and musical instruments to seek her blessings.
2. Saraswati Puja: The main Puja is performed by worshipping the goddess with offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets. Books and other items related to learning are placed near the idol, symbolising her dominion over knowledge.
3. Saraswati Balidan: This ritual is marked by offering gratitude through food and dedication of learning tools. It represents the devotees' reverence for the knowledge bestowed upon them.
4. Saraswati Immersion: The last day marks the conclusion of the Puja, where devotees immerse the idol or symbols of Saraswati, signifying her return to her heavenly abode.

• Saraswati Vandana Mantra:“Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala, Ya Shubhra Vastravrita...”This mantra praises the radiant form of the goddess and is recited for invoking her blessings.
• Saraswati Beej Mantra:“Om Aim Hreem Shreem Vaagdevyai Saraswatyai Namah.”A powerful chant to seek the goddess's grace for wisdom and intellectual growth.
• Saraswati Gayatri Mantra:“Om Vaakdevyai Cha Vidmahe, Vina Pustak Dharinyai Dhimahi...”This mantra is chanted to illuminate one’s mind and remove ignorance.

The rituals performed during Saraswati Puja are believed to strengthen a person’s intellectual and artistic capabilities. By offering prayers and chanting mantras, devotees aim to dispel ignorance and attain enlightenment. Books, pens, notebooks, and musical instruments are placed near the idol to symbolise the goddess’s domain over learning and arts. The sacred ritual of Ayudha Puja, which involves worshipping instruments, tools, and machinery, is also observed during this time.

By observing these rituals and chanting the prescribed mantras, devotees can experience the divine grace of Maa Saraswati, gaining her blessings for academic, artistic, and intellectual pursuits during Navratri.