Saraswati

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.