What does Maa Saraswati represent?

Maa Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge!

Saraswati means ‘the one who leads to the essence of self-knowledge’. It is a Sanskrit fusion word of:

1. sāra (सार) i.e. essence and 
2. sva(स्व) i.e. self
3. ti (ती) i.e. that one

The word evolves in its meaning from ‘vach (speech) that purifies’, to ‘knowledge that purifies’.

What is the definition of the worship of Maa Saraswati?  

It means not to abuse speech in any way or form, or utter speech that is spoken for selfish reasons.

When you abide by the rules that apply to speech, Maa Saraswati becomes pleased on you. She blesses your speech with the power, such that your spoken words produce the desired effect and prove beneficial to whom they are said!

Do you know why there is no power in people's speech nowadays?

It is because people have not abided by the rules of speech. Instead they break the rules of speech by:

1. Using their speech to scare people, animals, tell lies and employ deceit. As a result the power of speech deteriorates.
2. Lying for selfish gain. As a result the speech and mind both deteriorate.
3. Speaking contrary to what we feel inside, or when we do not speak exactly as per how we feel inside.
4. Making fun of others. We must realize that we are insulting the Lord residing within him, for which we will have to pay a very big price in the future. Therefore, whenever you speak to anyone, be careful to always remain in due respect of the God that resides in every living being.

The Power of speech:

The power of speech arises or gains energy when you:

1. do not use a single word to make fun of others
2. do not use your speech to increase your prestige
3. do not employ any kind of deceit in your speech
4. never go back on your word
5. When you only speak the truth, but at the same time, do not insist on the truth, if it hurts others.
6. When you speak the truth, which is beneficial to others.
7. do not waste it unnecessarily, instead expend it appropriately to be helpful to others
8. do not use your speech for any selfish worldly motives

Speech that is with the intent of not hurting anyone is accepted by all. So speak words that bear ill-will to no one, speak kind words, words rejoiced at and welcomed by all, speak gentle, instructive and truthful words, whose utterances do not offend others.

Maintain a strong and pure intention to always speak the truth, and nothing but the truth. If you happen to lie, repent heartily and ask for forgiveness from God.

Goddess Saraswati is Living!

All along, you have done the devotional viewing (darshan) of the Goddess in the form of idols in temples, pictures in books, and as text in scriptures. But what if you have the chance to see Her living form? When you see Her in Her live form, abiding by the rules of speech will happen with the least perseverance and most enthusiasm. 

Where can we see Her live form?

If you want to do darshan of the real presence of Goddess Saraswati, you can do so by listening to the speech of the Gnani Purush, the enlightened One!

The Goddess Saraswati you see in pictures, books and scriptures is indirect (paroksh). Whereas, in the Gnani’s speech She is direct (pratyaksh) Saraswati; the living Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati resides in the words spoken by the Gnani.

The Gnani’s speech is full of knowledge which is meant to be heard. His speech is accepted by all, as it does not hurt anyone nor does it harm anyone’s viewpoint in the least. The power of His speech is such that it breaks the veils of ignorance and gives complete clarification of the reality, of who we really are. Such is the tremendous energy and power that the words of the Gnani carry! These words are called Sakshat Saraswati, for they present the essence of the Self (the Soul)! And this is why people leap with awe at every word of the Gnani!