Saraswati Avahan

 

Saraswati Avahan marks the ceremonial invocation of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, music, arts, and learning. It is observed during the Sharad Navratri, typically on the 7th day (Maha Saptami) of the Ashwin month in Shukla Paksha, which usually falls in September or October.

• Date: Monday, 29 September 2025
• Nakshatra: Mula Nakshatra

Rituals & Observances

• Avahan (Invocation): Devotees chant special mantras to invite Saraswati into their homes or temples.
• Alankaram: The idol is adorned with white garments, chandan, kumkum, and lotus flowers.
• Naivedyam: Offerings include white-colored sweets like coconut rice, milk-based dishes, and fruits.
• Bhajans & Vrat: Devotional songs are sung, and some devotees observe a fast.
• Sankalpam: A vow is taken to seek Saraswati’s blessings for wisdom and clarity.

Spiritual Significance

• Saraswati Avahan is not just a ritual—it’s a symbolic act of inviting knowledge and clarity into one’s life.
• It marks the beginning of the final three days of Navratri, which are dedicated to Saraswati Devi.
• Students, artists, and scholars especially revere this day to seek divine guidance in their pursuits.

Legends & Mythology

• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe but felt it lacked purpose. He meditated and from his mouth emerged Saraswati, who gave form and meaning to creation.
• Saraswati is said to have assisted Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in the creation and maintenance of the cosmos.
• She is also known as Sharada, Veenapani, Pustak Dharini, and Mahavidya Nila Saraswati, each name reflecting a facet of her divine essence.

Scriptural Reference

• Kalika Purana, Devi Bhagavatam, and Durga Saptashati mention the invocation of goddesses during Navratri, including Saraswati in the final phase.
• Saraswati Avahan is traditionally performed on Maha Saptami during Mula Nakshatra, as prescribed in Shakta Agamas and Tantric texts.
• The ritual aligns with the Navratri Triratri Vidhi, where the last three days are dedicated to Saraswati (Saptami), Mahalakshmi (Ashtami), and Mahakali (Navami).

Rules & Rituals

Preparation

• Cleanse the puja space thoroughly.
• Use white or yellow cloth for the altar.
• Set up a Kalash with mango leaves and coconut, symbolizing divine presence.

Invocation (Avahan)

• Chant Saraswati Avahan Mantra:
  “Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala…”
  or use verses from Durga Saptashati (Chapter 11).
• Perform Sankalpam—a vow to seek wisdom and clarity.

Offerings

• White flowers, fruits, milk-based sweets, and betel leaves.
• Naivedyam includes coconut rice, jaggery, and satvik dishes.
• Alankaram: Decorate the idol with chandan, kumkum, and lotus.

Sacred Items

• Place books, musical instruments, pens, and tools of learning before the altar.
• These items are not to be touched until Visarjan on Dashami.

Devotional Practices

• Recite bhajans, stotras, and Saraswati Ashtakam.
• Maintain silence, cleanliness, and devotional focus.
• Some devotees observe a vrat (fast).

Temple Visit Traditions

• South Indian Temples (e.g., Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri) conduct Vidyarambham and Ayudha Puja starting from Saraswati Avahan.
• Durga Puja Pandals in West Bengal include Saraswati Avahan as part of Sandhi Puja rituals.
• Maharashtra temples integrate it with Navratri Ghatsthapana and Ayudha Puja.
• Kerala temples begin Ezhuthiniruthu (Vidyarambham) preparations from this day.

Regional Observance

Region	Observance Style
Tamil Nadu	Part of Golu celebrations; dolls arranged, Saraswati invoked on Saptami
Kerala	Marks start of Vidyarambham; children introduced to letters on Dashami
Karnataka	Linked with Ayudha Puja; tools and books worshipped
Andhra Pradesh	Saraswati invoked in homes and temples; Bhagavatam recitations common
Maharashtra	Saraswati Puja part of Navratri rituals; ends with Visarjan on Dashami
West Bengal	Integrated into Durga Puja; Saraswati Avahan precedes Sandhi Puja