Saraswati Vandana: Hymn to the Goddess of Wisdom
Complete lyrics with original text, transliteration, and meaning, 3 sections
The Invocation of Purity
Original
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता | या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ||
Transliteration
Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastravrita | Ya Veena Varadanda Mandita Kara Ya Shweta Padmasana ||
Meaning / Translation
She who is as white as the jasmine, the moon, and a garland of snow; who is draped in pure white garments; whose hands are adorned with the divine Veena; and who sits upon a white lotus.
The Essence of Knowledge
Original
शुक्लां ब्रह्मविचारसार, परमामाद्यां जगद्व्यापिनीं | वीणा-पुस्तक-धारिणीम्, भजेऽहं सरस्वतीम॥
Transliteration
Shuklam Brahma Vichara Sara, Param Amadyam Jagad Vyapinim | Veena-Pustaka Dharinim, Bhaje Aham Saraswatim ||
Meaning / Translation
I worship Goddess Saraswati, who is pure, the essence of the knowledge of Brahman, the eternal primordial power that pervades the entire universe, and who holds the Veena and the sacred book of knowledge.
The Prayer for Success in Learning
Original
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणी | विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ||
Transliteration
Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kamarupini | Vidyarambham Karishyami Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada ||
Meaning / Translation
O Goddess Saraswati, my salutations to you, the fulfiller of all desires. As I begin my pursuit of knowledge, may success and perfection attend me always.