Vasant (Spring) is the king of all seasons and arrival of this season can be sensed from the day of (Vasant) Basant Panchami. It is also considered to be the day of birth of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. Let us learn the history and significance of celebrating this festival.
Tithi of Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami
Magh Shukla Panchami (Fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh)
History and method of celebration of Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami
1. It is said that Madan, the Deity of Love was born on this day. People do puja and pray to Madan and Rati (His wife) for a happy married life.
2. On this day, sheaf of grain from the new harvest are offered to the Deity at home and later cooked.
3. Since the Saraswati Devi was created on this day, She too is worshipped. Similarly, it is also considered as the birthday of the Deity Lakshmi. Hence, this day is also called ‘Sripanchami.’
4. On this day, after an auspicious bath early in the morning a ‘puja’ is performed. Performing puja of Saraswati Devi, known as the Deity of speech and knowledge has special significance. Goddess Saraswati Devi is worshipped by performing ‘puja’ of a holy ‘kalash’ in which Her presence is invoked on this day.
12 names of Saraswati Devi
These are the 12 names of Saraswati Devi (naamavali) that every student should know.
प्रथमं भारती नाम द्वितीयं च सरस्वती ।
तृतीयं शारदादेवी चतुर्थं हंसवाहिनी ।।
पंचमं जगती ख्याता षष्ठं वागीश्वरी तथा ।
सप्तमं कुमुदी प्रोक्ता अष्टमं ब्रह्मचारिणी ।।
नवमं बुद्धिदात्री च दशमं वरदायिनी ।
एकादशं चन्द्रकान्तिर्द्वादशं भुवनेश्वरी ।।
द्वादशैतानि नामानि त्रिसन्ध्यं यः पठेन्नरः ।
जिह्वाग्रे वसते नित्यं ब्रह्मरूपा सरस्वती ।। – (‘ऋषीप्रसाद’, फेब्रुवारी २००८)
Objective of Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami
The objective of celebrating Vasant Panchami is to express and enjoy the Bliss from the newly generated chaitanya and creation in Nature.
Reference : Sanatan’s holy text, ‘Holy festivals, Religious festivals and Vowed religious observances’
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