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Saraswati mantra: Saraswati Namastubhyam, Ya Kundendu and Om Aim
Saraswati is the goddess of learning, speech and music. Her mantras are said before study, before a performance, and above all on Basant Panchami.
Saraswati Namastubhyam: the prayer before study
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥
Sarasvati Namastubhyam Varade Kamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami Siddhirbhavatu Me Sada
Source: Verse 5 of a Saraswati Stotram that some editions ascribe to the sage Agastya.
Meaning: "Salutation to you, Saraswati, giver of boons, who takes any form at will. I am beginning my studies — may success be mine always."
When it is chanted: Before study and exams; many children learn it beside the Vakratunda shloka.
Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala: the Saraswati vandana
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता ।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ।
या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा पूजिता ।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥
Ya Kundendutusharaharadhavala Ya Shubhravastravrita
Ya Vinavaradandamanditakara Ya Shvetapadmasana
Ya Brahmachyutashankaraprabhritibhirdevaih Sada Pujita
Sa Mam Patu Sarasvati Bhagavati Nihsheshajadyapaha
Source: Verse 1 of the same Saraswati Stotram. Some editions read 'sada vandita' for 'sada pujita' in the third line; the sense is the same.
Meaning: "May Saraswati protect me — she who is white as jasmine, the moon and a garland of frost, who wears white, whose hands are graced by the veena, who sits on a white lotus, who is ever honoured by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the gods, the goddess who takes away every trace of dullness of mind."
When it is chanted: Sung in school assemblies and at the start of Saraswati puja.
Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah: the Saraswati beej mantra
ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः
Om Aim Sarasvatyai Namah
Source: A traditional seed-syllable mantra of Saraswati, whose seed syllable is aim; no Veda source.
Meaning: "Om, aim — salutation to Saraswati." Aim is the seed syllable of speech and learning.
When it is chanted: 108 times before study, and on Basant Panchami.
How to chant a Saraswati mantra
- Keep to one mantra; changing mantras every few days is the commonest way a practice fades.
- Sit at the same time each day, after a bath if you can, facing east or north.
- Chant on a mala of 108 beads — one mala is the customary measure — and turn the mala at the larger meru bead rather than crossing it.
- Say the words clearly, at a pace you can keep; attention matters more than speed.
- The traditional time for Saraswati is Basant Panchami; any day is fine for a daily practice.
Mantra practice belongs to a tradition of devotion and reflection. It is not a substitute for medical, legal or financial help, and no mantra comes with a promised result.
108 names of Saraswati
The traditional list of Saraswati's 108 names, each with its transliteration and meaning, numbered as it is recited.
Saraswati mantra: common questions
How many times should a Saraswati mantra be chanted?
One mala of 108 is the customary daily measure. Some keep a larger vow, such as eleven malas, or a number completed over forty days; follow your own teacher's or family's practice where it differs.