It is said that there is a truth behind any myth, and that has been there with human civilisation parallel to religious beliefs. The tradition of worshipping Goddess Saraswati on the occasion of Basant Panchami also has a mythological significance behind it. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, City Spidey's Shruti Kharbanda explains some popular beliefs as per mythology and its Astro - Vastu significance in Indian Society.
Indian religious mythology says that Goddess Saraswati originated from Sattva Guna(Pious Virtue), and it is known that she is fond of white things. So offering white things on Basant Panchami to Goddess Sarswati is a tradition in society. People believe that her blessings can be obtained by donating or offering white items, so there is a practice to offer things like milk, curd, butter, white clothes, sugar, white sesame seeds, and rice grains, etc. Apart from this, Goddess Saraswati is adorned with yellow flowers, and yellow-coloured dresses, so while worshipping her, there is a tradition of wearing yellow on the occasion.
Astrologically, Basant Panchami is also considered the perfect and pious day for weddings in Indian society. As the season changes during this period, we experience quick changes in our health. Thus, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari (An ancient doctor and God of Health in Indian religious mythology) on this day leads to good health. This is also regarded as an auspicious day for buying new things and making investments. According to astrology, this is a good day for starting new activities as well.
Basant Panchami is associated with Shringara Rasam(Romance) and the ritual of worshipping Goddess Saraswati brings positive vibes for love and prosperity and has a strong significance according to astrology. This time of the year, the sun gives the seventh aspect to the zodiac sign of Leo and the Magha Nakshatra. The Leo sign is related to kids, learning, love, the strength of spirituality and fun together.
Vastu Shastra provides us with an interesting connotation around the Goddess of learning, mother Saraswati. The Direction of Goddess Saraswati is North-East according to Vastu, and it is seen that keeping a white colour photo or idol of Saraswati in this direction brings in the right knowledge at the right time. Also, it is said that keeping your books in the North-East and West-Southwest direction can help you remain focused on the subject you wish to attain expertise at.
North-East is also the direction of Lord Dhanwantri, the God of Health and it is widely seen that many people worship lord Dhanwantri on this day for the wealth of good health.
Common Rituals On Basant Panchami
On this day, people wake up early and bathe, and then change into their finest clothes to worship Goddess Saraswati. They ask for the Goddess to educate and enlighten them. Agricultural fields in many parts of the country also blossom as the yellow flowers of mustard crops begin to bloom. This association makes people believe that yellow is the Goddess' favourite colour.
While in Rajasthan people customarily wear garlands made of jasmine flowers on this day, in Punjab, devotees fly kites on their rooftops and usher in the festivities.
In many parts of the country, young children are made to write their first words on a slate on this day, owing to its auspiciousness. This ritual of initiating education to children is known as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Prasana which is one of the famous rituals on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Indian Society. Schools and colleges arrange puja in the morning to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
For Sikhs, in the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, on the day of Basant Panchami, musicians start the music by singing Basant Raga. This practice continues up until the first day of Baisakh when Basant Rag is no longer used.
