Saraswati

Description

This image of the deity Saraswati depicts her as a standing four-armed goddess. She is also depicted holding her ayudhas- the rosary (rudraksamala) and the lotus. Another hand which would have held either a book or her vina is missing. The fourth hand, somewhat damaged, is postured in the abhayamudra. She is decorated with intricate ornaments- necklace, earring, armlets, anklets, bracelets, yajnopavita- while also wearing a beautifully carved sari, fastened by a girdle. Her crown is a jata-mukuta, made of her locks, while some tresses are seen flowing down her shoulders. Her scriptural significance as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, in tandem with Brahma as his consort, is highlighted repeatedly in scriptures such as the Puranas.