According to the Hindu calendar, Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Maagh, thus the name ‘Panchami’.
Saraswati Puja 2022 date: Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom, is worshipped on the occasion of Basant Panchami. Also known as ‘Vasant Panchami’, it is an important Hindu festival in India that marks the arrival of spring. This year, it will be celebrated on February 5.
The auspicious day of Basant Panchami also marks
the arrival of one of the most important festivals in the country, Holi, which
is celebrated around 40 days later. The reason behind it is that Vasant
Utsav (festival) on Panchami is celebrated 40 days before
spring, signifying the transition period for any season, which is 40 days.
After that, spring arrives in full bloom. Togetherness and harmony, Indian
festivals are all about these. All the fun and frolic go hand in hand with delicious
food, new clothes, and small get together. Some celebrate it to honor
Goddess Saraswati, while others celebrate the harvest and the onset of Spring.
Why is Goddess Saraswati worshipped on
this day?
Every Hindu God and
Goddess has a dedicated day and festival when they are venerated. The reason
the Goddess of Wisdom — who is also associated with music and the arts — is
worshipped is because it is believed she was born on this day.
Significance
Basant Panchami is
celebrated as a spring harvest festival. The colour yellow holds a great
significance denoting the color of the mustard that is harvested during Basant
Panchami. It is celebrated in veneration of the yellow flowers of
ripened mustard crops. People dress in yellow saris or shirts or
accessories, share yellow-colored snacks and sweets. Some add saffron to their
rice and then eat yellow cooked rice as a part of an elaborate feast.
To get enlightenment
with knowledge, Devotees, especially from the education sector, like
students, teachers, worship Goddess Saraswati on the big day.
History of Basant Panchami
Traditionally, Basant
Panchami is associated with Devi Saraswati, the consort of Lord Brahma and the
Goddess of learning, arts and music.
As per Hindu
mythology, one day Brahma, who is said to be the creator of the world, wanted
to see this universe with his own eye. However, Brahma was completely
disappointed with the silence and loneliness of the earth. In order to reduce
the silence from Earth, Brahma created an angel with his powers who had a harp
in her hands, and Brahma requested her to play something. The angel blessed
people on earth with her soulful voice. The angel then came to be known as
Saraswati or Veena Vadini.
However, a legend
explains how Kama Dev (the Lord of Love) played a pivotal role in helping
Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and Devi Parvati unite.
Here's how the tale unfolds...
As per the story,
Goddess Parvati sought Kama Deva's help to awaken Shiva from the state of deep
meditation. At the behest of Devi Parvati, Kama Deva used a bow made of
sugarcane and aimed an arrow of flowers at Shiva to draw his attention towards
the materialistic world.
However, this action
enraged Lord Shiva, and he opened his third eye to burn Kama Deva into ashes.
Subsequently, Rati performed intense penance and sought Lord Shiva's blessings
to resurrect her husband's life. In a nutshell, the event symbolizes the return
of Shiva from the state of Vairagya (dispassion) to Grhastha (householder).
To attain the
abundant blessings of Maa Saraswati, you can chant these mantras
dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge and wisdom.
1. Ain hrein shrin antriksh Saraswati param rakshini,
Mam sarva vighna nivaraya nivaraya Swaha..
2. Om an hreen Kleem maha Saraswati devyai Namah.
3.
Om Saraswati Mayaa Drishtwa, Veena Pustak Dharnim |
Hans Vahini Samayuktaa Maa Vidya Daan Karotu Me Om ||
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