Devi Sharadamba and Devi Saraswati

   There is bound to be some confusion as to the two names of Deities that we come across on this day of Nav Ratri (Dussehra) when we worship the Devi Saraswati, Devi Shyamala, Devi Sharadamba, Devi Maha Lakshmi, Devi Durga Mata and others. It is important to note here that the term 'Ratri' means 'Knowledge' (Pancharatra Agama Shastra). There are different sources for those who are interested in all these subjects. However, we give here some interesting details about the Deities we worship on the Saptami of Nav Ratri. There are the elemental Gods described in the Rk Veda and the savitru devata found in the famous Gayatri Mantra. Devi Saraswati is one of the twenty-four savitru devata who stand in que for darshan of the Surya Deva. The twelve Vaidiki (mantra/Rk) and twelve tantriki devata are described in the Gayatri mantra. Each Devi has a Bijakshara mantra, a Chakra or mandala, Devi Saraswati is the Vaidiki mantra Devata. She is also the Veda Mata, Deva Mata, Savitri, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, and the like. These are different powers they possess and protect the jivarashi.

     Sarswati is eulogised in the Rk Veda and the 'nadi sukta' is the most beautiful sukta full of imageries, and secrets. The Vedic mantra (Rks) are veru powerful and just hearing the mantra with phonetic perfection is enough. Saraswati mantra of the Rk Veda should be imbibed by every one interested in bringing out his /her potential!

    As regards the Devi Sharadaamba, 'Raja Tarangini' describes the glory of Devi Sharada. There is a village called Sarda at the confluence of the Rivers Kishen Ganga, Sharda, and R. Madhumati across the Line of Control (PoK). Here is a high pedestal with a pindi (shalagrama) of Devi Sharada here. It seems there was no practice of idol worship at that time as we see in the Vaishno devi where the Three Devi are found in Shalagrama (pindi). Later, came the worship of idols. The Sandalwood Idol of Devi Sharadamaba was found in Sri Nagar by Sri Shankaracharya  (7th Cent. A.D) during his visit to Kashmir. As the account goes, he brought it to Sringeri and installed it. Later on, it is said the Sage Vidyaranya installed the Golden idol of Devi in the place of the Sandalwood. This account is also very interesting! Guru Vidyaranya was asked by his devout pupils Hakka and Bukka  to rule the Kingdom which the sage politely rejected and installed them as Kings. Since they pressed him to sit one the throne for at least an hour he agreed to sit for 40 mins. in Durbar as token and wanted a Golden idol of Devi Sharada to be installed! Thus, the present Golden idol of Devi Sharadamba shines here!

    Further, The Vedamata Saraswati is the Goddess of Learning. Devi Sharadamba is the Mother earth, Bhu Devi, giving us food as (annapurna0, also worshiped as Mookambika, at Kolluru, and, at Horanadu as Annapurneshwari. Devi Sharada breathes unto all living beings without Herself breathing so says the scriptures! Devi Sharada is established within us, the mortals, as the sustainer of life, the very life-breath!