According to the religious literature, Avahan means invocation. The invocation of Goddess Saraswati is known as Saraswati Avahan. The last three days of Navratri is largely dedicated to goddess Saraswati. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (on the seventh day of waxing moon) on Mahasaptami. Saraswati Avahan is a Hindu festival that marks the invocation of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning. This festival is particularly celebrated in the eastern parts of India, such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, and it occurs during the Durga Puja festival.
Saraswati Avahan is usually observed on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Navratri festival. This day is specifically dedicated to invoking the presence of Goddess Saraswati.
The Hindu scriptures have precisely mentioned about the time for the Saraswati puja. The Saraswati Avahan should be observed during Mul Nakshatra, Saraswati Puja should be done during Purva Ashadha Nakshatra, Balidan Puja should be done during Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra and Saraswati Visarjan should be done during Shravana Nakshatra. In Maharashtra and South India, Saraswati pooja commences with Saraswati Avahan on Maha Saptami and ends on Vijayadashami with Saraswati Visarjan.
According to the Hindu religion, Goddess Saraswati is the deity of wisdom, music, arts and science. The mantra related to goddess Saraswati is - Om Aim Sarasvatyai Svaha. The Goddess is also revered as Tridevi and her abode is Brahmapura. Her vahana or mount is a swan, hansa and peacock. Lord Brahma is the consort of Goddess Saraswati and he created the universe with her knowledge. She is part of a trinity- Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati.
All the three forms help the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in the creation, sustenance and annihilation of the universe. The goddess is respected by followers of the Jain religion in India. She is also known as the guardian deity in Buddhism, who shields the teachings of Gautama Buddha by offering protection to the devotees.
Rituals:
Avahan (Invocation): The main ritual involves inviting Goddess Saraswati into the puja area. Special mantras and hymns are chanted to welcome her.
Puja (Worship): Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other traditional items to the deity. They also perform aarti (a ritual of worship with light) and chant Saraswati Vandana.
Vedic Chanting and Recitation: Since Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom, reciting Vedic hymns, and other scriptures, and engaging in scholarly activities are important aspects of the puja.
Cultural Significance:
Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions often hold special ceremonies and programs to honor Goddess Saraswati. Students participate in these events, seeking blessings for their academic pursuits.
Art and Music: Cultural programs involving music, dance, and art are organized, as these are domains presided over by Saraswati.
Regional Variations:
West Bengal: In West Bengal, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with great fervor. It is often seen as an auspicious day for students, who place their books and musical instruments before the idol of the goddess to seek her blessings.
Odisha: In Odisha, the festival is part of the larger Durga Puja celebrations, with a focus on invoking Saraswati alongside Durga.
Assam: Similar to the practices in West Bengal and Odisha, Assam also observes Saraswati Avahan with rituals and cultural programs in schools and homes.
सरस्वती अवाहन के बारे में और मूल बीज मंत्र हिंदी में जानने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें