Saraswati Nitya Puja Vidhanam

Saraswati Nitya Puja Vidhanam

आवश्यकानि वस्तूनि

आसनम्
Seat or mat for performing the worship.

दीपः
Sacred lamp for the worship.

गन्धः
Sandalwood paste or sacred fragrance.

कुङ्कुमम्
Sacred vermilion powder.

अक्षताः
Unbroken sacred rice grains.

पुष्पाणि
Flowers for offering to the Goddess.

धूपः
Incense for the worship.

नैवेद्यम्
Food prepared as an offering to the Goddess.

ताम्बूलम्
Betel leaves and associated offerings.

आचमनीयम्
Water for ritual sipping.

पूजा पात्रम्
Vessel used for worship.

कलशः
Sacred vessel filled with water.

शङ्खः [optional]
Conch, used optionally during worship.

सरस्वती देवी प्रतिमा वा चित्रपटः वा
An image or picture of Goddess Sarasvatī.

पूर्वाङ्ग पूजा

श्रीमहागणाधिपतये नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Mahāgaṇādhipati, the great Lord of the divine hosts.

श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ।
Salutations to the revered Guru.

हरिः ॐ ।
Hari Om, the sacred invocation of the Divine.

शुचिः

अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा ।
यः स्मरेत् पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः ॥
पुण्डरीकाक्ष पुण्डरीकाक्ष पुण्डरीकाक्षाय नमः ॥
Whether pure or impure, and whatever condition one may be in, remembering the Lotus-Eyed Lord makes one pure both externally and internally. Salutations to the Lotus-Eyed Lord.

प्रार्थना

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।
प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥
I meditate upon Lord Viṣṇu, clad in white garments, radiant like the Moon, four-armed and serene-faced, for the removal of all obstacles.

अगजानन पद्मार्कं गजाननमहर्निशम् ।
अनेकदं तं भक्तानां एकदन्तमुपास्महे ॥
We worship Lord Gaṇeśa, the elephant-faced One, whose countenance shines like a lotus illuminated by the sun, who continually blesses devotees and is known as Ekadanta.

तदेव लग्नं सुदिनं तदेव
ताराबलं चन्द्रबलं तदेव ।
विद्याबलं दैवबलं तदेव
लक्ष्मीपते तेऽङ्घ्रियुगं स्मरामि ॥
That alone is the auspicious moment and that alone is the blessed day. That alone is the strength of the stars, the Moon, knowledge and divine grace. O Lord of Lakṣmī, I remember Your sacred pair of feet.

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर् देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥
The Guru is Brahmā, the Guru is Viṣṇu, and the Guru is Lord Maheśvara. The Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman. Salutations to that revered Guru.

सर्वमङ्गल माङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
O Gaurī, auspicious among all that is auspicious, embodiment of Śiva, fulfiller of every worthy purpose, refuge of all, three-eyed Divine Mother, Nārāyaṇī, I offer my salutations to You.

श्रीलक्ष्मीनारायणाभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Lakṣmī and Nārāyaṇa.

उमामहेश्वराभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Umā and Maheśvara.

वाणीहिरण्यगर्भाभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Vāṇī and Hiraṇyagarbha.

शचीपुरन्दराभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Śacī and Purandara.

अरुन्धतीवसिष्ठाभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Arundhatī and Vasiṣṭha.

श्रीसीतारामाभ्यां नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sītā and Rāma.

मातापितृभ्यो नमः ।
Salutations to mother and father.

सर्वेभ्यो महाजनेभ्यो नमः ।
Salutations to all revered and noble beings.

आचमनम्

ॐ केशवाय स्वाहा ।
Oblation to Lord Keśava.

ॐ नारायणाय स्वाहा ।
Oblation to Lord Nārāyaṇa.

ॐ माधवाय स्वाहा ।
Oblation to Lord Mādhava.

ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Govinda.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Viṣṇu.

ॐ मधुसूदनाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Madhusūdana.

ॐ त्रिविक्रमाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Trivikrama.

ॐ वामनाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Vāmana.

ॐ श्रीधराय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Śrīdhara.

ॐ हृषीकेशाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Hṛṣīkeśa.

ॐ पद्मनाभाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Padmanābha.

ॐ दामोदराय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Dāmodara.

ॐ सङ्कर्षणाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Saṅkarṣaṇa.

ॐ वासुदेवाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Vāsudeva.

ॐ प्रद्युम्नाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Pradyumna.

ॐ अनिरुद्धाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Aniruddha.

ॐ पुरुषोत्तमाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Puruṣottama.

ॐ अधोक्षजाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Adhokṣaja.

ॐ नारसिंहाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Narasiṃha.

ॐ अच्युताय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Acyuta.

ॐ जनार्दनाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Janārdana.

ॐ उपेन्द्राय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Upendra.

ॐ हरये नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Hari.

ॐ श्रीकृष्णाय नमः ।
Salutations to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

दीपाराधनम्

दीपस्त्वं ब्रह्मरूपोऽसि ज्योतिषां प्रभुरव्ययः ।
सौभाग्यं देहि पुत्रांश्च सर्वान् कामांश्च देहि मे ॥
O sacred lamp, You are the embodiment of Brahman and the eternal Lord of all lights. Grant me auspiciousness, prosperity, children and the fulfilment of my worthy desires.

भो दीप देवि रूपस्त्वं कर्मसाक्षी ह्यविघ्नकृत् ।
यावत्पूजां करिष्यामि तावत् त्वं सुस्थिरो भव ॥
O Divine Lamp, You are the sacred witness to all actions and the remover of obstacles. Remain steady for as long as I perform this worship.

दीपाराधन मुहूर्तः सुमुहूर्तोऽस्तु ॥
May this time of lamp worship be highly auspicious.

भूतोच्चाटनम्

उत्तिष्ठन्तु भूतपिशाचाः य एते भूमिभारकाः ।
एतेषामविरोधेन ब्रह्मकर्म समारभे ॥
May spirits and unseen beings that burden the earth depart, so that I may begin this sacred rite without obstruction.

अपसर्पन्तु ते भूता ये भूता भूमिसंस्थिताḥ ।
ये भूता विघ्नकर्तारस्ते गच्छन्तु शिवाज्ञया ॥
May all beings dwelling upon the earth withdraw. May those who cause obstacles depart by the command of the Divine.

प्राणायामः

ॐ भूः । ॐ भुवः । ॐ सुवः । ॐ महः । ॐ जनः । ॐ तपः । ॐ सत्यम् ।
ॐ तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
ॐ आपो ज्योती रसोऽमृतं ब्रह्म भूर्भुवःसुवरोम् ॥
We meditate upon the divine radiance of Savitṛ. May that Divine Light inspire and guide our intellect. Water, light, essence, immortality and Brahman are invoked through the sacred worlds.

सङ्कल्पः

मम उपात्त समस्त दुरितक्षय द्वारा श्रीपरमेश्वर प्रीत्यर्थं, मम/अस्माकं सहकुटुम्बस्य क्षेम-स्थैर्य-धैर्य-वीर्य-विजय-अभय-आयुः-आरोग्य-ऐश्वर्य-अभिवृद्ध्यर्थं, प्रज्ञा-मेधा-विद्या-विवेक-वाग्विलास-सिद्ध्यर्थं, धर्मार्थ-काम-मोक्ष-चतुर्विध-पुरुषार्थ-फल-सिद्ध्यर्थं, श्रीसरस्वती देवी-प्रीत्यर्थं, यावच्छक्ति ध्यान-आवाहनादि-षोडशोपचार-पूजां करिष्ये ॥
For the destruction of accumulated shortcomings and for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord, I undertake this worship of Śrī Sarasvatī Devī. May my family be blessed with well-being, stability, courage, strength, victory, fearlessness, long life, health and prosperity. May wisdom, intellect, learning, discrimination and eloquence be attained. May the four aims of life—Dharma, Artha, Kāma and Mokṣa—be fulfilled, and may Goddess Sarasvatī be pleased.

तदङ्ग कलशाराधनं करिष्ये ॥
As an accompanying rite, I shall perform the worship of the sacred Kalaśa.

कलशाराधनम्

कलशे गन्ध पुष्पाक्षतैरभ्यर्च्य ।
कलशे उदकं पूरयित्वा ।
कलशस्योपरि हस्तं निधाय ।
Having worshipped the Kalaśa with sandal paste, flowers and sacred rice, fill it with water and place the hand over the Kalaśa.

कलशस्य मुखे विष्णुः कण्ठे रुद्रः समाश्रितः ।
मूले त्वस्य स्थितो ब्रह्मा मध्ये मातृगणाः स्मृताः ॥
कुक्षौ तु सागराः सर्वे सप्तद्वीपा वसुन्धरा ।
ऋग्वेदोऽथ यजुर्वेदो सामवेदो ह्यथर्वणः ॥
अङ्गैश्च सहिताः सर्वे कलशाम्बु समाश्रिताः ॥
At the mouth of the Kalaśa resides Lord Viṣṇu; at its neck resides Rudra; at its base is Brahmā, and in its middle are the Divine Mothers. Within it are all the oceans and the earth with its seven continents. The four Vedas, together with their branches, are present in the sacred waters of the Kalaśa.

गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।
नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरी जलेऽस्मिन् सन्निधिं कुरु ॥
कावेरी तुङ्गभद्रा च कृष्णवेणी च गौतमी ।
भागीरथीति विख्याताः पञ्चगङ्गाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥
O Gaṅgā, Yamunā, Godāvarī, Sarasvatī, Narmadā, Sindhu and Kāverī, be present in these sacred waters. Kāverī, Tuṅgabhadrā, Kṛṣṇaveṇī, Gautamī and Bhāgīrathī are also revered among the sacred rivers.

आयान्तु देवपूजार्थं मम दुरितक्षयकारकाः ।
कलशोदकेन पूजा द्रव्याणि सम्प्रोक्ष्य, देवं सम्प्रोक्ष्य, आत्मानं च सम्प्रोक्ष्य ॥
May these sacred waters come for the worship of the Divine and destroy impurities. With the Kalaśa water, I sprinkle the articles of worship, the deity and myself.

शङ्खपूजा

शङ्खं चन्द्रार्क दैवतं मध्ये वरुण देवताम् ।
पृष्ठे प्रजापतिं विन्द्यादग्रे गङ्गा सरस्वतीम् ॥
त्रैलोक्ये यानि तीर्थानि वासुदेवस्य आज्ञया ।
शङ्खे तिष्ठन्तु विप्रेन्द्राः तस्मात् शङ्खं प्रपूजयेत् ॥
The conch is associated with the divine powers of the Moon and Sun, with Varuṇa in its middle, Prajāpati at its back, and Gaṅgā and Sarasvatī at its front. By the command of Vāsudeva, may sacred tīrthas and revered sages abide in the conch; therefore it is worshipped.

ॐ शङ्खाय नमः ।
Salutations to the sacred conch.

ॐ धवलाय नमः ।
Salutations to the pure and radiant one.

ॐ पाञ्चजन्याय नमः ।
Salutations to Pāñcajanya, the divine conch.

ॐ शङ्खदेवताभ्यो नमः ।
Salutations to the divine powers residing in the conch.

सकलपूजार्थे अक्षतान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer sacred rice grains for the complete worship.

घण्टानादः

आगमार्थं तु देवानां गमनार्थं तु राक्षसाम् ।
घण्टारवं करोम्यादौ देवताह्वान लाञ्छनम् ॥
I ring the bell at the beginning as a sacred sign of inviting the deities and driving away negative forces.

ॐ घण्टादेवताभ्यो नमः ।
Salutations to the divine powers of the sacred bell.

सकलोपचार पूजार्थे अक्षतान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer sacred rice grains for all the ritual offerings.

श्री महागणपति पूजा

ॐ गणानान्त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे कविं कवीनामुपमश्रवस्तवम् ।
ज्येष्ठराजं ब्रह्मणां ब्रह्मणस्पत आ नः शृण्वन्नूतिभिः सीद साधनम् ॥
We invoke Lord Gaṇapati, the wise among the wise and the revered Lord of sacred prayers. O Brahmaṇaspati, hear our invocation and bless us with Your presence.

सुमुखश्चैकदन्तश्च कपिलो गजकर्णकः ।
लम्बोदरश्च विकटो विघ्नराजो गणाधिपः ॥
धूमकेतुर्गणाध्यक्षः फालचन्द्रो गजाननः ।
वक्रतुण्डः शूर्पकर्णो हेरम्बः स्कन्दपूर्वजः ॥
Salutations to Gaṇapati by His sacred names: the beautiful-faced, one-tusked, tawny-hued, elephant-eared, large-bellied, formidable, Lord of obstacles, Lord of the divine hosts, Dhūmaketu, leader of the Gaṇas, moon-crested, elephant-faced, curved-trunked, large-eared, Heramba and elder brother of Skanda.

ॐ श्रीमहागणपतये नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Mahāgaṇapati.

ध्यायामि । आवाहयामि । आसनं समर्पयामि ।
I meditate upon You, invoke You and offer You a seat.

पाद्यं समर्पयामि । अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि । आचमनीयं समर्पयामि ।
I offer water for washing the feet, water for respectful reception and water for ritual sipping.

स्नानं समर्पयामि । वस्त्रं समर्पयामि । यज्ञोपवीतं समर्पयामि ।
I offer ceremonial bathing, garments and the sacred thread.

गन्धं समर्पयामि । पुष्पाणि समर्पयामि ।
I offer sandal paste and flowers.

धूपमाघ्रापयामि । दीपं दर्शयामि ।
I offer incense and show the sacred lamp.

नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि । ताम्बूलं समर्पयामि ।
I offer food and tāmbūla.

नीराजनं समर्पयामि । मन्त्रपुष्पं समर्पयामि ।
I offer the sacred light and flowers accompanied by mantra.

प्रदक्षिण नमस्कारान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer circumambulation and prostrations.

षोडशोपचार पूजा

सरस्वती देवी ध्यानम्

या कुन्देन्दु तुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता ।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ॥
या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा पूजिता ।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निश्शेषजाड्यापहा ॥
May Goddess Sarasvatī protect me—the radiant One who is white like jasmine, the Moon and snow, clad in pure white garments, holding the beautiful vīṇā, seated upon a white lotus and eternally worshipped by Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śaṅkara and the other divine beings. May She remove all ignorance and dullness.

अङ्कुशं चाक्षसूत्रं च पाशं वीणां च धारिणीम् ।
मुक्ताहारसमायुक्तां मोदरूपां मनोहराम् ॥
I meditate upon Sarasvatī, holding the goad, rosary, noose and vīṇā, adorned with a pearl necklace and possessing a joyful and beautiful form.

प्र नो देवी सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती ।
धीनामवित्र्यवतु ॥
May Goddess Sarasvatī, rich in divine strength and inspiration, protect and guide our thoughts and intellect.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

ध्यायामि । ध्यानं समर्पयामि ॥
I meditate upon You and offer this meditation.

आवाहनम्

अत्रागच्छ जगद्वन्द्ये सर्वलोकैक पूजिते ।
मया कृतामिमां पूजां गृहाण जगदीश्वरि ॥
O Goddess revered by the entire world and worshipped by all beings, please come here and accept this worship performed by me, O Supreme Goddess of the universe.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

आवाहयामि । स्थापयामि । पूजयामि ॥
I invoke You, establish Your presence and worship You.

आसनम्

अनेक रत्नसंयुक्तं सुवर्णेन विराजितम् ।
मुक्तामणियुतं चारु चासनं ते ददाम्यहम् ॥
I offer You this beautiful seat adorned with many precious jewels, shining with gold and decorated with pearls and gems.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

आसनं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer a sacred seat.

पाद्यम्

गन्ध पुष्पाक्षतैः सार्धं शुद्ध तोयेन संयुतम् ।
शुद्धस्फटिकतुल्याङ्गि पाद्यं ते प्रतिगृह्यताम् ॥
O Goddess whose form is pure like crystal, please accept this pure water mixed with sandal paste, flowers and sacred rice for washing Your feet.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

पादयोः पाद्यं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer water for washing Your sacred feet.

अर्घ्यम्

भक्ताभीष्टप्रदे देवि देवदेवादिवन्दिते ।
धातृप्रिये जगद्धात्रि ददाम्यर्घ्यं गृहाण मे ॥
O Goddess who grants the cherished wishes of devotees, worshipped by the divine beings and beloved of the Creator, O Mother of the universe, please accept this respectful offering.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

हस्तयोः अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer arghya to Your hands.

आचमनीयम्

पूर्णचन्द्रसमानाभे कोटिसूर्यसमप्रभे ।
भक्त्या समर्पितं वाणि गृहाणाचमनीयकम् ॥
O Vāṇī, radiant like the full Moon and brilliant like millions of Suns, please accept this water for ritual sipping, offered with devotion.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

मुखे आचमनीयं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer water for ritual sipping.

स्नानम्

आपो हिष्ठा मयोभुवस्ताना ऊर्जे दधातन ।
महे रणाय चक्षसे ॥
यो वः शिवतमो रसस्तस्य भाजयतेह नः ।
उशतीरिव मातरः ॥
तस्मा अरङ्गमाम वो यस्य क्षयाय जिन्वथ ।
आपो जनयथा च नः ॥
O sacred waters, bestow happiness and nourish us with strength. Grant us clear vision and well-being. May we receive Your most auspicious essence, like loving mothers. O waters, nourish us and generate purity and vitality within us.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

शुद्धोदक स्नानं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer a ceremonial bath with pure water.

स्नानानन्तरं आचमनीयं समर्पयामि ॥
After the bath, I offer water for ritual sipping.

वस्त्रम्

शुक्लवस्त्रद्वयं देवि कोमलं कुटिलालके ।
मयि प्रीत्या त्वया वाणि ब्रह्माणि प्रतिगृह्यताम् ॥
O Goddess Vāṇī, O Brahmāṇī, please graciously accept these two soft white garments offered with devotion.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

वस्त्रं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer sacred garments.

यज्ञोपवीतम्

शब्दब्रह्मात्मिके देवि शब्दशास्त्र कृतालये ।
ब्रह्मसूत्रं गृहाण त्वं ब्रह्मशक्रादि पूजिते ॥
O Goddess who is the very essence of Śabda-Brahman and the abode of sacred knowledge and language, worshipped by Brahmā, Indra and the divine beings, please accept this sacred thread.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

यज्ञोपवीतं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer the sacred thread.

गन्धम्

चन्दनागरु कस्तूरी कर्पूराद्यैश्च संयुतम् ।
गन्धं गृहाण त्वं देवि विधिपत्नि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
O Goddess, consort of the Creator, please accept this fragrant offering made with sandalwood, agarwood, musk, camphor and other sacred fragrances. Salutations to You.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

गन्धं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer sandalwood paste and sacred fragrance.

अर्चना

अक्षतान् धवलान् दिव्यान् पुष्पाणि च सुगन्धीनि ।
भक्त्या दत्तानि गृह्यन्तां सर्वदेवाः प्रसीदत ॥
Please accept these pure, sacred rice grains and fragrant flowers offered with devotion. May all the Divine Powers be pleased.

अङ्ग पूजा

ॐ ब्रह्मण्यै नमः – पादौ पूजयामि ।
Salutations to Brahmaṇī; I worship Her feet.

ॐ भारत्यै नमः – गुल्फौ पूजयामि ।
Salutations to Bhāratī; I worship Her ankles.

ॐ जगत्स्वरूपिण्यै नमः – जङ्घे पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the One whose form is the universe; I worship Her lower legs.

ॐ जगदाद्यायै नमः – जानुनी पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the Primordial Mother of the universe; I worship Her knees.

ॐ चारुविलासिन्यै नमः – ऊरू पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the Beautiful and Graceful One; I worship Her thighs.

ॐ कमलभूमये नमः – कटिं पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the One associated with the lotus; I worship Her waist.

ॐ गम्भीरनाभये नमः – नाभिं पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the One with a profound and beautiful navel; I worship Her navel.

ॐ लोकमात्रे नमः – स्तनौ पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the Mother of the worlds; I worship Her breasts.

ॐ वेदस्वरूपायै नमः – वक्त्रं पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the One who embodies the Vedas; I worship Her face.

ॐ पुस्तकधारिण्यै नमः – हस्तौ पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the Bearer of the sacred book; I worship Her hands.

ॐ कमलाक्ष्यै नमः – नेत्रे पूजयामि ।
Salutations to the Lotus-Eyed Goddess; I worship Her eyes.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः – शिरः पूजयामि ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī; I worship Her head.

ॐ ब्रह्मरूपिण्यै नमः – सर्वाण्यङ्गानि पूजयामि ॥
Salutations to the Goddess who embodies Brahman; I worship all Her limbs.

सरस्वती अष्टोत्तर शत नामावली

Recite the 108 sacred names of Goddess Sarasvatī, offering flowers or sacred rice grains with each name.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

अष्टोत्तर शत नामावली पूजां समर्पयामि ।
I offer the worship of the 108 sacred names.

अक्षतान् पुष्पाणि च समर्पयामि ॥
I offer sacred rice grains and flowers.

धूपम्

दशाङ्गं गुग्गुलोपेतं सुगन्धं च मनोहरम् ।
धूपं गृहाण कल्याणि वरदे प्रतिगृह्यताम् ॥
O auspicious and gracious Goddess, please accept this beautiful and fragrant incense prepared with Daśāṅga and guggul.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

धूपमाघ्रापयामि ॥
I offer the fragrance of incense.

दीपम्

घृतत्रिवर्ति संयुक्तं दीपितं दीपमम्बिके ।
गृहाण चित्स्वरूपे त्वं कमलासनवल्लभे ॥
O Divine Mother, embodiment of pure consciousness and beloved of the Lotus-seated Creator, please accept this lamp lit with clarified butter and three wicks.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

दीपं दर्शयामि ॥
I show the sacred lamp.

नैवेद्यम्

नैवेद्यं गृह्यतां देवि भक्त्या सम्पादितं मया ।
इदं फलं च पानीयं सर्वोपचार संयुतम् ॥
O Goddess, please accept this food offering lovingly prepared by me, together with fruit, water and all accompanying offerings.

ॐ भूर्भुवःसुवः । तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
We meditate upon the divine radiance of Savitṛ. May that Divine Light inspire and guide our intellect.

सत्यं त्वा ऋतेन परिषिञ्चामि ।
I consecrate this offering with truth and sacred order.

अमृतमस्तु । अमृतोपस्तरणमसि ।
May it become immortal and pure; You are the sacred support of immortality.

ॐ प्राणाय स्वाहा । ॐ अपानाय स्वाहा । ॐ व्यानाय स्वाहा ।
Oblation to the vital forces of prāṇa, apāna and vyāna.

ॐ उदानाय स्वाहा । ॐ समानाय स्वाहा ।
Oblation to the vital forces of udāna and samāna.

मध्ये मध्ये पानीयं समर्पयामि ।
I offer water between the offerings.

अमृतापिधानमसि ।
You are the covering of immortality.

उत्तरापोशनं समर्पयामि ।
I offer water for the concluding refreshment.

हस्तौ प्रक्षालयामि । पादौ प्रक्षालयामि ।
I symbolically wash the hands and feet.

शुद्धाचमनीयं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer pure water for ritual sipping.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer the food offering.

ताम्बूलम्

ताम्बूलं च सकर्पूरं पूगनागदलैर्युतम् ।
गृहाण देवदेवेशि तत्त्वरूपि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
O Goddess, Supreme among the Divine, please accept this tāmbūla prepared with camphor, betel nut and betel leaves. Salutations to You, embodiment of the sacred principle.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

ताम्बूलं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer tāmbūla.

नीराजनम्

नीराजनं गृहाण त्वं जगदानन्ददायिनि ।
जगत् तिमिरमार्तण्डमण्डले ते नमो नमः ॥
O Goddess who grants joy to the universe, please accept this sacred ārati. Salutations again and again to You, the radiant Sun that dispels the darkness of the world.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

नीराजनं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer the sacred waving of light.

मन्त्रपुष्पम्

प्र नो देवी सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती ।
धीनामवित्र्यवतु ॥
May Goddess Sarasvatī, rich in divine strength and inspiration, protect and guide our thoughts and intellect.

या कुन्देन्दु तुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता ।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ॥
या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा पूजिता ।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निश्शेषजाड्यापहा ॥
May Goddess Sarasvatī protect me—the radiant One who is white like jasmine, the Moon and snow, clad in pure white garments, holding the vīṇā, seated upon a white lotus and eternally worshipped by Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śaṅkara and the other divine beings. May She remove all ignorance and dullness.

शारदे लोकमातस्त्वमाश्रिताभीष्टदायिनि ।
पुष्पाञ्जलिं गृहाण त्वं मया भक्त्या समर्पितम् ॥
O Śāradā, Mother of the worlds and fulfiller of the wishes of those who seek refuge in You, please accept this handful of flowers offered by me with devotion.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

मन्त्रपुष्पं समर्पयामि ॥
I offer flowers accompanied by sacred mantra.

प्रदक्षिणम्

यानि कानि च पापानि जन्मान्तर कृतानि च ।
तानि तानि प्रणश्यन्ति प्रदक्षिण पदे पदे ॥
Whatever sins may have been committed in this life or previous births are destroyed with every step of the sacred circumambulation.

पाशाङ्कुशधरा वाणी वीणापुस्तकधारिणी ।
मम वक्त्रे वसेन्नित्यं दुग्धकुन्देन्दुनिर्मला ॥
May Vāṇī, holding the noose and goad, the vīṇā and sacred book, ever dwell upon my speech, pure and radiant like milk, jasmine and the Moon.

चतुर्दश सुविद्यासु रमते या सरस्वती ।
चतुर्दशेषु लोकेषु सा मे वाचि वसेच्चिरम् ॥
May Sarasvatī, who delights in the fourteen forms of sacred learning and pervades the fourteen worlds, dwell in my speech for a long time.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

प्रदक्षिण नमस्कारान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer circumambulation and prostrations.

नमस्कारः

उरसा शिरसा दृष्ट्या मनसा वचसा तथा ।
पद्भ्यां कराभ्यां कर्णाभ्यां प्रणामोऽष्टाङ्ग उच्यते ॥
Prostration performed with the chest, head, sight, mind, speech, feet, hands and ears is known as aṣṭāṅga praṇāma.

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

नमस्कारान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer my prostrations.

सर्वोपचाराः

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

छत्रं समर्पयामि ।
I offer a ceremonial umbrella.

चामरं समर्पयामि ।
I offer the ceremonial fly-whisk.

गीतं श्रावयामि ।
I offer devotional music.

नृत्यं दर्शयामि ।
I offer devotional dance.

समस्त राजोपचारान् देवोपचारान् समर्पयामि ॥
I offer all royal and divine forms of ceremonial service.

स्तोत्र/सूक्त पठनम्

Recite the Sarasvatī Sūktam and other prescribed hymns as part of the worship.

क्षमाप्रार्थना

अपराधसहस्राणि क्रियन्तेऽहर्निशं मया ।
दासोऽयमिति मां मत्वा क्षमस्व परमेश्वरि ॥
O Supreme Goddess, thousands of offences may be committed by me day and night. Considering me to be Your servant, please forgive me.

मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं महेश्वरि ।
यत्पूजितं मया देवि परिपूर्णं तदस्तु ते ॥
O Maheshvarī, whatever worship I have performed, though it may have been lacking in mantra, ritual action or devotion, may it become complete through Your grace.

कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा
बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतेः स्वभावात् ।
करोमि यद्यत् सकलं परस्मै
नारायणायेति समर्पयामि ॥
Whatever I perform through my body, speech, mind, senses, intellect or inner self, according to my nature, I offer everything to the Supreme Lord Nārāyaṇa.

अनया ध्यान-आवाहनादि-षोडशोपचार पूजया श्रीसरस्वती देवी सुप्रीता सुप्रसन्ना वरदा भवतु ॥
May Śrī Sarasvatī Devī be greatly pleased, gracious and bestow blessings through this worship consisting of meditation, invocation and the sixteen traditional offerings.

उद्वासनम्

ॐ श्रीसरस्वत्यै नमः ।
Salutations to Śrī Sarasvatī.

यथास्थानं उद्वासयामि ।
शोभनार्थे क्षेमाय पुनरागमनाय च ॥
I respectfully conclude the invoked presence and return it to its proper place, praying for auspiciousness, well-being and the Divine Goddess’s return.

प्रसाद ग्रहणम्

अकालमृत्युहरणं सर्वव्याधिनिवारणम् ।
समस्तपापक्षयकरं देवता पादोदकं शुभम् ॥
The sacred water from the feet of the deity is auspicious; it is traditionally revered as removing untimely death, relieving afflictions and diminishing accumulated sins.

श्रीसरस्वती देवी प्रसादं शिरसा गृह्णामि ॥
I receive the sacred prasāda of Śrī Sarasvatī Devī with reverence upon my head.

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om. May there be peace, peace, peace.

ॐ तत्सत् ब्रह्मार्पणमस्तु ॥
Om Tat Sat. May everything be offered to Brahman.