Saraswati Balidan

Saraswati Balidan is an auspicious day that is celebrated to pay homage to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and wisdom. It is observed on ‘Navami’ (9th day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the bright fortnight of moon) during the month of ‘Aswin’ as per the traditional Hindu calendar. The Saraswati Balidan puja must be performed during the ‘Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra’. Generally Saraswati Puja begins with the ‘Saraswati Avahan’ ritual on ‘Mahasaptami’ and ends with ‘Saraswati Visarjan or Udasan’ on the auspicious day of ‘Vijayadashami’. The Saraswati Balidan Puja is celebrated on the third day of Saraswati Puja, which is ‘Mahanavami’. The last three days of Navratri, during the month of Aswin is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is celebrated with immense fervour and enthusiasm in Maharashtra and Southern states of India.

Rituals during Saraswati Balidan:

• On the day of Saraswati Balidan puja, devotees get up early and take a bath. They begin making preparations for the puja and rituals of the day.
• Goddess Saraswati is worshipped with full devotion on this day. A sacred ‘Havan’ is performed and several offerings are made to the Goddess.
• The ‘Uttara’ puja of Goddess Saraswati is performed just before giving the balidan to the Goddess. Devotees chant the mantra of ‘Om Aim Saraswati Svaha’.
• During Saraswati Balidan, there is a ritual of offering an animal sacrifice to appease the Goddess and seek Her divine blessings. Before offering the Balidan to Goddess Saraswati, coconuts are thrown into the ignited fire of the Havan Kund.

Important Timings On Saraswati Balidan

Significance of Saraswati Balidan:

In Hinduism, Devi Saraswati is worshipped as the Goddess of music, wisdom, art and science. She is revered as ‘Tridevi’ (Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali). She has a hansa, swan and peacock as Her Vahana or mount and resides in Her abode ‘Brahmapura’. Goddess Saraswati is known to be the consort of Lord Brahma, who created this universe with her knowledge. Hindus, especially students, scholars and artists, worship Goddess Saraswati to seek creativity, intellect and communication skills. Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped by followers of Jainism in India. In Buddhism, She is regarded as the ‘Guardian Deity’ as she guards the teachings of Gautama Buddha and offers protection to the devotees.