The Saraswati Shloka (Sanskrit: सरस्वती श्लोक, romanizedSarasvatī Śloka) is a Hindu prayer. It is traditionally chanted by a student before their commencement of studies. It is addressed to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge.[1]

South Indian painting of Saraswati, the addressee of this hymn

Hymn

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The hymn is composed of the following two verses:[2]

sarasvatī namastubhyaṃ varade kāmarūpiṇī |
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā | |

O Saraswati; salutations to you; you who offers boons; you who takes the form of desires. As I begin my studies, may there always be accomplishment for me.[3]

Variations

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Variations of this shloka include:

1.

sarasvatī namastubhyaṃ
varade jñānarūpiṇī
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi
vinayatbhavatu me sadā

2.

sarasvatī namastubhyaṃ
varade vijñānarūpiṇī
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi
vinayatbhavatu me sadā

3.

sarasvatī namastubhyaṃ
varade jñānavijñānarūpiṇī
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi
vinayatbhavatu me sadā

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Swaminathan, London (2022-10-27). Hinduism in Sangam Tamil Literature. Pustaka Digital Media. p. 157.
  2. ^ Shivakumar, K. N. (2021-01-14). Shlokas and Bhajans: with general knowledge and subhashitams. Sangeet Bharati. p. 9.
  3. ^ Kumar, Tumuluru Kamal (2015-04-21). Hindu Prayers, Gods and Festivals. Partridge Publishing. p. 43. ISBN 978-1-4828-4708-6.