The two classic invocations of Saraswati, goddess of knowledge — recited before study, music practice and at Vidyarambha, and sung across India on Vasant Panchami.
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Vidyarambha Shloka
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं
वरदे कामरूपिणि ।
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि
सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥
sarasvati namas tubhyam
varade kama-rupini
vidyarambham karishyami
siddhir bhavatu me sada
Salutations to you, Saraswati, giver of boons, who takes the form of all desires fulfilled; I begin my study — may accomplishment be mine always.
Ya Kundendu
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ।
या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥
ya kundendu-tushara-hara-dhavala ya shubhra-vastravrita
ya vina-vara-danda-mandita-kara ya shveta-padmasana
ya brahmacyuta-shankara-prabhritibhir devaih sada vandita
sa mam patu sarasvati bhagavati nihshesha-jadyapaha
She who is white as jasmine, the moon and a garland of snow, robed in radiant white; whose hands are graced by the noble veena; seated on a white lotus; ever honoured by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the gods — may that goddess Saraswati, who removes all dullness of mind, protect me.
When it is recited: Before beginning study or practice of any art; at Vidyarambha (a child's first writing); on Vasant Panchami and during Saraswati Puja in Navratri.
Traditional significance: Saraswati is invoked as the remover of jadya — dullness of mind. The first verse asks that the study now beginning reach completion; the second meditates on her luminous white form, veena in hand, honoured by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva themselves.
Questions
Why is Saraswati described as completely white?
White is the colour of sattva — pure, undivided clarity. Her white robe, lotus, swan and jasmine-moon complexion all express knowledge free of stain or distortion.
Source: Traditional — vidyarambha verse and Saraswati Stotram. Regional versions may vary — this text follows the version most widely used in community worship.