Nature bolsters your faith in Vasant Punchami as it is ecstatic to see the exuberant color of yellow which surrounds you during this time of the year. Mustard fields drenched in yellow is a visual treat for anyone. ‘Vasant Panchami’ also known as ‘Basant Panchami’ is celebrated with great fervor and joy every year. It falls on the fifth day of Magh, ‘Basant’ means spring and ‘Panchami’ means the fifth day in Hindi language. This year, Vasant Panchami falls on the 1st of February.
Significance of Vasant Panchami
This festival marks the beginning of the spring season but most importantly, Vasant Panchami also marks the birth of Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati is known as the Goddess of music, art, knowledge, culture and wisdom. Thus, Saraswati Puja withholds immense importance on this day especially for students. It is a tradition which has been followed since time immemorial.
Goddess Saraswati was evoked by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe to bring life to his creations. The Goddess also symbolizes peace and serenity, holding a veena in her hand dressed in white. This is also considered to be an auspicious day for anyone to lay the foundation of education. Special prayers are offered for the Goddess in almost every school in India.
Saraswati Puja on Vasant Punchami
The puja on this auspicious day starts with worshipping Lord Ganesha, as he is known as the God of good luck. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are also worshipped after that. Then Goddess Saraswati is worshipped,where an urn or kalash is enshrined before the prayer ritual begins. At first, the Goddess is bathed and she is spotlessly dressed in white, vermillion and garlands are offered to the Goddess before starting the puja.
Devotees can utter this popular ‘pranam mantra’ to the Goddess:
Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney
Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey
Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey
Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey
Influence of Astrology on Vasant Panchami
This year 2017, the shubh muhurat for Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami begins from 07:13 to 12:34: a total duration of 5hrs and 21mins.
The commencement of the spring season has an influence on the planet of love, amusement and charm that is Venus. Vasant Panchami is also known as Abhuja Day which is also regarded as one of the most auspicious day to start any kind of work. This day is also favorable to start any kind of business or any new venture.
Getting married especially on the occasion of Abhuja Day is considered auspicious which has been followed since a long time. Consult an astrologer to find out how you should celebrate this auspicious festival. Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja is also considered to be auspicious for house warming ceremonies.