Saraswati

Saraswati Statue - Udayana University Faculty of Letters

Saraswati

Saraswati is the goddest of Knowledge. The name ‘SARASWATI’ derived from ‘Saras’ (flow) and ‘Wati’ ( woman). The name Saraswati tells all human that knowledge is flowing like a river, very interesting like a beautiful woman.

• Saraswati Day reminding us all human being that the most important thing in our life is knowledge, secondly is health and wisdom, thirdly good food and drink, fourthly cloth and gold ( money) and as the basic of it all is to keep the balance in their life by the guardiance of God.
  Symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies. Her hands hold :

• A palm leaf so called Lontar (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of knowledge)

• A chain (genitri with 108 pieces) symbolizing that knowledge has an everlasting life cycle.

• A musical instrument (guitar or wina)symbolizing knowledge develops through the growth of culture

• The swan symbolize prudence, that with knowledge one can distinguish between good or evil.

• The water lilies (Lotus) symbolize holiness. (in Bali Lotus is the holiest flower)
  In Saraswati day, Balinese are not allowed to read or write any books for all the books are offered in the temple, but in the evening (Malam Sastra) people read books especially religious books either in their houses or in the temple.