Saraswati : The Hindu Muse

The Greeks had their muses, goddesses who inspired music and poetry, drama and science. In Hinduism, this role is filled by Saraswati, perhaps the oldest goddesses in the world who is still widely worshipped. The Veda never tires of praising her.

Artists and scientists have long noted that some of their greatest works or intellectual insights seemed to mysteriously appear fully formed in their minds. Beatle Paul Mc Cartney reports that he finds heard the melody for "yesterday", one of the most popular songs of all time, in a dream. To Hindus, these are gifts from Saraswati,the divine muse.

Hindu musicians chant Saraswati and prostrate before their musical instruments before beginning a concert. Children pray to Sarasvati for help with their schoolwork. Speakers invite her to "dance on their tongues" before giving a lecture.

Sarasvati is always dressed in white, the color of pure illumination. In one of her four hands she holds a book, showing her command over an intellectual knowledge. Another hand holds a rosary, since she is also the source of all spiritual knowledge. Her two remaining hands holds a vina, an Indian instrument that looks like a sitar. This means that she is the source of the sound vibrations or primeval waves of energy that form the universe.

Sarasvati is the wife of Brahma the Creator. While Brahma's worship has all but vanished from Hinduism, Sarasvati is still worshipped every Hindu town and village. She is the inner source of creative intelligence, wisdom, and artistic inspiration.