The first day of the puja of Maa Saraswati during Navratri celebrations is known as ‘Saraswati Avahan’. The word ‘Avahan’ means Invocation and this ritual is observed to invoke the blessings of Maa Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge is summoned by the devotees on this favorable day. The practice of Saraswati Avahan is observed on the ‘Mahasaptami’ (7th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) in the Hindu month of ‘Ashwin’.
It is considered that Saraswati Avahan should be performed during the ‘Mula Nakshatra’, and the actual puja should be performed during ‘Purva Ashadha Nakshatra’. Saraswati Puja starts with Saraswati Avahan and finishes with Saraswati Visarjan on the day of ‘Vijaydashmi’.
Date of Saraswati Avahan 2020
This year Saraswati Avahan will be celebrated on 21st October 2020 (Wednesday).
Significance of Saraswati Avahan
According to religious literature, Avahan means invocation. The invocation of Maa Saraswati is known as Saraswati Avahan. The last three days of Navratri are largely dedicated to goddess Saraswati. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (on the seventh day of the waxing moon) on Mahasaptami. According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Saraswati is recognized for helping Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu in the creation and maintenance of the universe. Goddess Saraswati is also known by the names of Sharada, Mahavidya Nila Saraswati, Vidyadayini, Sharadamba, Veenapani, and Pustak Dharini. Goddess Saraswati is considered as the Goddess of Knowledge and learning. Lord Brahma created the universe with the knowledge of Goddess Saraswati only. There is no achievement in life conceivable without learning and insight. Maa Saraswati is summoned and worshipped devotedly in the last three days of Navratri.
Saraswati Puja calendar
Saraswati Avahan puja – Maha Saptami – Triratna vratam starts in Andhra Pradesh.
Goddess Saraswati Puja – (Durga Ashtami)
Saraswati Uttara Puja & Balidaan – (Mahanavami)
Saraswati Visarjan or Udasan – (Vijayadashami)
Importance of Saraswati Avahan
According to the Hindu religion, Goddess Saraswati is the deity of wisdom, music, arts, and science. The Goddess is also honored as Tridevi and her abode is the Brahmaputra. Maa Saraswati is therefore worshipped by devotees with full zeal and dedication to attain her divine blessings of knowledge and wisdom in order to reach the ladder of success by overcoming all the hurdles of their life. The followers of Jainism worship Goddess Saraswati with full devotion. Also in Buddhism, She is revered as the guardian deity for her help in conserving the teachings of Gautama Buddha. She is worshipped by students, scholars, artists and by those who seek intellect, creativity and communication skills.
Mantra
One should the following mantra while performing the Saraswati Avahan Puja to get the best and favorable results. In this mantra, Goddess Saraswati is praised and the worshipper seeks her guidance and protection.
“Om Aing MahaSarasvatyai Namah”.
How to Celebrate Saraswati Avahan Puja
The ritual of Saraswati Avahan is observed at the time of Mula Nakshatra Muhurat. The total time duration for performing the Puja is approximately five hours. But the time usually varies from year to year. The Avahan of Goddess Saraswati is done by performing a special Puja ceremony known as Saraswati Avahan. Different prayers used for the invocation of Goddess Saraswati are chanted during this ceremony.
- One of the most vital aspects of this Puja is the ritual of washing the Goddess’ feet.
- Then, ‘Sankalp’ or vow is taken by the devotees.
- After this, the image of the Goddess is decorated with kumkum and Chandan (sandalwood paste) and this ritual is known as ‘Alankaram’.
- Incense sticks and flowers are also offered to the deity.
- On the eve of Saraswati Avahan, a special meal is prepared in the form of ‘Naivedyam’ and is offered to Maa Saraswati.
- White is regarded as the most favorite color of the deity, so, all the sweets and savories are prepared accordingly.
- Once the puja is concluded, the sacred prasad or the Naivedyam is distributed among all the devotees who have gathered.
- Following bhajans are recited to please Goddess Saraswati in order to bless us all.
- Some of the devotees also observe a fast on the eve of Saraswati Avahan puja.
Maa Saraswati Aarti
Jai Saraswati mata, maiya jai Saraswati mata,
Sadgun vaibhav shalini,tribhuvan vikhyata,
Maiya Jai.
Chandravadani padmasini dyuti mangalakare,
Sohe shub hansa savare,atul tejdhari,
Maiya Jai.
Baen kar men vina,daen kar mala,
Shish mukut mani sohe, gal motiyan mala,
Maiya Jai.
Devi sharan jo ae, unka uddhar kiya,
Paithi Manthra dasi, Ravan sanhar kiya,
Maiya Jai.
Vidya gyan pradayini, jag men gyan prakash bharo,
Moh aur agyan timir ke jag se nash karo,
Maiya Jai.
Dhup dip phal meva, man svikar karo,
Gyanchakshu de mata, jag nistar karo,
Maiya Jai.
Man Sarasvati ki arti jo koi jan gave,
Hitkari sukhkari, gyan bhakti pave,
Maiya Jai.
We, at FUTURE PREDICTION TODAY , wish you all a very happy and prosperous Saraswati Avahan. May Goddess Saraswati showers all her blessings of knowledge, success peace, happiness, and good health to every individual. For detail Puja rituals consult Expert Astrologers at FPT.
