Basant Panchami, also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Puja, is celebrated every year according to the Hindu calendar on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magha. It is celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati because this day marks the birth of Ma Saraswati.
The Significance of Saraswati Puja
On this day, the worship and adoration of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, are performed. In the Hindi language, the synonymous word for knowledge is Saraswati.
By worshiping Goddess Saraswati on this day, blessings for the acquisition of knowledge are sought. The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Ma Saraswati. Basant Panchami holds significant importance for students and individuals seeking knowledge in various fields of art and education, not only in India but also in countries like Nepal.
The Importance of Knowledge and Wisdom
It is said that without knowledge, a human cannot be considered truly human. It is knowledge and skill that define a human being; otherwise, one would merely be akin to an animal. Human intellect sets individuals apart from animals, and Goddess Saraswati, the deity of intellect and knowledge, is revered for this reason.
It is believed that worshiping and adoring Goddess Lakshmi brings wealth and success, while worshiping Goddess Durga brings strength. However, worshiping and adoring Goddess Saraswati grants both wealth and power, as there is no wealth greater than intellect, and no weapon mightier than knowledge.
Celebration Across India
The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated with great fervor not only in India but also in every state and region, with schools and educational institutions commemorating the occasion with teachers and students joining together.
The Significance of Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami also marks the auspicious beginning of the spring season. With the onset of Basant Panchami, the intense cold begins to subside, heralding the arrival of spring. Among the six seasons in India, the spring season is considered the best, as it brings about a lush greenery across the landscape.
With the arrival of the spring season, new leaves start sprouting on trees, buds start appearing on plants, which eventually bloom into beautiful flowers, filling the surrounding environment with fragrance. Everywhere, nature seems to rejuvenate, with even animals and birds showing a renewed enthusiasm.
For artists and scholars, the importance of the spring season is as significant as the festival of Diwali is for traders and businessmen. Spring is considered the best time for study and artistic pursuits.
The Day of Knowledge
This day holds special significance for knowledgeable individuals. By worshiping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts, they seek blessings for progress and advancement in the fields of knowledge and art.
Religious Significance
From a religious perspective, the significance of the spring season is immense. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram visited the hermitage of his ardent devotee Shabri on the day of Basant Panchami and accepted her offerings with love and affection.
It is said that even today, in the Dang district of Gujarat, there is the hermitage of Shabri, and on the day of Basant Panchami, a large crowd of devotees gathers there to pay homage.
According to religious beliefs, it is said that on the day of Basant Panchami, the arrival of the god of love, Kamadeva, and his consort Rati on Earth occurs, which leads to the spread of feelings of love among all living beings during the spring season.
Rati was the wife of Kamadeva, and when the two arrive on Earth during Basant Panchami, joy and happiness fill the atmosphere. Hence, on this day, worship of Kamadeva and Rati is also performed.
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