Saraswati Pooja

Saraswathi Pooja

"First, complete the Saligrama Pooja. Then, according to the book, perform the Saraswati Pooja."

Saraswathi Pooja is an important part of the Navaratri festival, especially in South India. It is observed at different times across India. In Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, the last three days of Navaratri are dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. In some other parts of India, people also perform Saraswati Pooja.

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

On Mahanavami, Saraswathi Pooja 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 pooja, 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.