Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Saraswati

Saraswati With Two Attendants, Gouache and Acrylic on Cotton, 24 x 18 inches

Saraswati Newari Painting

Saraswati is the Goddess of learning, wisdom and knowledge. The Sanskrit sara means "essence" and swa carries the meaning of "self," roughly translating to the meaning "the essence of the self." The divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe, Saraswati is a central figure in Hindu mythology.

Saraswati’s relationship to Brahma is as a symbol of his creative power. She holds a book and a rosary in her rear two hands, while the front two hands play the lute or veena, representing the mind or intellectual aspect that must be appropriately “tuned” in order to operate in a beneficial capacity for others.

The book held in her rear left hand signifies not only the knowledge required for creation, but also that any knowledge acquired must be used with compassion and tenderness in support of the prosperity of mankind.

The rosary in her rear right hand represents the qualities of contemplation and the meditative absorption that culminates in union with God.

In Hindu culture Goddess Saraswati is propitiated by individuals in pursuit of knowledge, most especially students, teachers, academics, and scientists.

The lotus upon which she stands symbolizes the Reality of the Absolute.