1.Brahmani
Brahmani Gayatri
देव्यै ब्रह्माण्यै विद्महे । महाशक्त्यै च धीमहि । तन्नो देवी प्रचोेदयात् ॥
Meaning : We know Brahmanidevi. We meditate upon that great Shakti. May She inspire our intellect.
2. Shri Saraswati
2A. Origin and Meaning
सरः जलम् अस्ति अस्याः इति सरस्वती ।
Meaning: The one who has fluidity like the water is Saraswati. Speech is considered to be ‘fluent’, hence, Saraswati is also considered to be the Deity of speech.
Literal meaning : Gatimati (Activating energy)
Implied meaning : An active form of inactive Brahma; hence, She is called the activeness-inducing Shakti to the trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Some other Names of the Shaktis associated with Brahma are Vak (Speech), Vagdevi (Deity of speech), Vagishwari, Vani, Sharada, Bharati, Vinapani, etc.
2B. Mission
Deity of knowledge and art. Upanishads consider oneness of Shri Saraswati with speech, and pray to Her for enhancing intelligence and for acquiring sweetness in speech.
2C. Science pertaining to Idol
| Meaning of the physical form | Implied meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Complexion : Bright, fair | – | Brahma in the form of radiance, hence She is revered by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh |
| 2. Four hands | – | Four directions, all encompassing |
| 3. Objects in the four hands | ||
| A. Book | Means of acquiring knowledge | All knowledge containing Vedas |
| B. Japamala (String of beads) | Concentration | Energy in alphabets |
| C. Veena (a stringed musical instrument) | Music of life | One who bestows siddhis (Supernatural powers) and Nirvan (Final Liberation) |
| D. A white lotus | – | Universe |
| 4. Colour of the sari : White | – | Sacredness |
| 5. Adorned with ornaments | – | Prosperity |
| 6. Vahan (Vehicle)(Note 1) | – | The soul (Seated on all souls, that is, She is their master.) |
Note 1 – White swan : Sometimes, She is depicted as sitting on a swan; whereas, at other times the swan is in the background. In Buddhist and Jain traditions, peacock is Her vehicle.
Reference : Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy text ‘Shakti (Part 1) Introduction to Divine Energy’ and ‘Shakti (Part 2) Worship of Divine Energy’
