Hitchhiker's Guide to Religion
Hindu

Saraswati

Goddess of Knowledge, Music, and Art

Hindu Knowledge, music, art, speech, learning, the Vedas
Portrait of Saraswati
Attribute Value
Combat
ATK 30
DEF 60
SPR 98
SPD 75
INT 100
Rank Goddess of Wisdom / Consort of Brahma
Domain Knowledge, music, art, speech, learning, the Vedas
Alignment Hindu Sacred
Key Act Grants wisdom, eloquence, and artistic mastery to devotees; her very name means "the flowing one" -- she IS the flow of knowledge
Source Rig Veda, Brahmanda Purana, Saraswati Purana

Saraswati is depicted in a white sari (representing purity and true knowledge), seated on a white lotus or riding a white swan, holding a veena (stringed instrument — mastery of art), a book (the Vedas — mastery of knowledge), a crystal rosary (meditation and spiritual science), and a water pot (the purifying power of knowledge) (Rig Veda 1.164, Brahmanda Purana). She is worshipped fervently by students, scholars, musicians, and artists.

The parallel to the Sophia/Wisdom tradition in Judaism and Christianity is remarkable. In Proverbs 8:22-31, Wisdom is personified as a woman who was present at creation: “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work… I was beside him, like a master worker.” Sophia is the divine feminine principle of knowledge — exactly Saraswati’s domain. Both are feminine personifications of divine wisdom who existed before and participate in creation. Both are sought by those who desire understanding. Both offer gifts that transcend material wealth.


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Combat Radar

ATK DEF SPR SPD INT
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