About Vasant Panchami – Why is Saraswati Puja celebrated on this day
The day of Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Maa Saraswati and on this day Maa Saraswati is worshipped. Mother Saraswati is considered the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and crafts. This day is also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Puja.
Devotees worship Goddess Saraswati on this day to gain knowledge and to get rid of lethargy, laziness and ignorance. In some states, babies are taught to write their first letters on this day. In other words, the day of Vasant Panchami is considered very auspicious for Vidya Aarambh or Akshar Abhyasyaam, that’s why on this day parents start their child with the blessings of Mother Saraswati. Mother Saraswati is worshiped in all the schools today in the morning.
The day of Vasant Panchami is celebrated on Panchami Tithi in the Hindu calendar. The day when Panchami Tithi prevails between sunrise and noon, that day is considered suitable for Saraswati Puja. For this reason, in some years it falls on the day of Vasant Panchami Chaturthi. In the Hindu calendar, the time between sunrise and noon is known as Purvahan.
According to people well versed in astrology, the day of Vasant Panchami is considered suitable for all auspicious works. For this reason, the day of Vasant Panchami is known as Abujha Muhurta and is considered auspicious for starting new works.
Saraswati Puja can be performed at any time on Vasant Panchami, but morning time is considered best for worship. Saraswati Puja is performed in all the schools and educational centers in the morning itself to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati.
The auspicious time given for Saraswati Puja in Drik Panchang, at that time both Panchami Tithi and Purvahan are occupied. That is why it is best to perform Saraswati Puja during this time on the day of Vasant Panchami.
About Saraswati Vandana
Saraswati or Kundendu is a very famous hymn dedicated to Goddess Saraswati which is a part of Saraswati Stotram. This Saraswati Stuti is recited during Saraswati Puja on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami.
Or Kundendutusharhardhavla or Shubhravastravrata.
Or Veenavardandamanditkara or Shwetapadmasana.
Ya Brahmachyut Shankarprabhritibhirdevai: Sada Vandita.
Sa Maa Patu Saraswati Bhagwati Nihsheshjadyapaha ॥1॥
Shukla Brahmavichar is the essence of Paramamadya Jagadvyapini.
Veena-Book-Dharinimbhaydan Jadyandhakarapaham ॥
Haste rhinestone owners Viddhati Padmasane Sansthitam.
Vande Ta Parmeshwari Bhagwati Buddhipradam Shardam ॥2॥
