Saraswati Pooja Aavahanam

Saraswati Pooja Aavahanam

Saraswati Puja begins with Saraswati Avahanam on the Saptami (seventh day). The last day of Navaratri, Mahanavami, is also celebrated as Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja. On Saptami, books and tools are placed in the puja room or in front of an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati.

On Mahanavami, Saraswati Puja is performed to the Pustaka Mandala (books, tools, etc.) to seek the blessings of the Goddess of Learning. The books and tools are not touched until the next day. On Vijayadashami, after a final puja, they are removed, marking the beginning of new lessons and tasks, as this day, known as Vidya Arambha, is considered auspicious for starting new educational ventures with the Goddess's blessings.