Goddess Saraswati is the first of the 3 principle deities of the Hindu female trinity, called Tridevi, comprising of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. She is the goddess of learning, wisdom, music, aesthetics, knowledge, speech and learning. Saraswati’s name means ‘elegant’, ‘flowing’ and ‘of water’, she is associated with both a deity and a river in the Vedas. She is associated as ‘one possessing water’, with cleansing and purifying qualities. She bestows one with wisdom, knowledge and is revered to for blessings for one’s speech, therefore music and intellect. Saraswati is the active energy and power of Brahma. She is believed to be residing in one’s throat. she is identified as the inventorof Sanskrit and a patron of arts and sciences.

Saraswati is depicted sitting on a white lotus flower in pure white clothes that symbolises purity, holding a Veena (the Hindu classical music instrument) in two of her 4 hands. In the left hand, she carries a palm-leaf manuscript and ritual water vessel. Alternatively, in the upper right hand she holds a white lotus flower while the lower right hand may be typically performing the Varada Mudra, the traditional gift-giving gesture of Hinduism. A bell, trident, ploughshare, conch, chakra are also sometimes depicted along with 8 hands. Not being concerned with worldly goods, she rarely wears jewellery. Saraswati is invoked to remind the reader to meditate on virtue, virtuous emoluments, the meaning and the very essence of one’s activity, one’s action.She may have a crescent on her forehead and may be shown riding a swan or gooseas her vehicle (Vahana).