As we step into March, here’s an intriguing story for both spiritual seekers and the curious alike. This time, Nai Mu, a spiritual guru from God’s City on Ticy City’s website and page, takes us on a journey to explore the divine consort of Lord Brahma—Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. Interestingly, her name appears in Buddhism as well, though under different titles and in different regions.
The Overlooked Goddess of Hinduism
Among the three great Hindu goddesses—Parvati (consort of Shiva), Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), and Saraswati (consort of Brahma)—the latter is often the least recognized and worshipped. Saraswati is revered as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, arts, music, and learning. Known by various names such as Savitri, Bharati, Vach, Sharada, Brahmani, Mahavidya, and Arya, she embodies intelligence, serenity, and eloquence.
Originally, Saraswati was the personification of the ancient Sarasvati River (Sarasvati Naditama), which once nourished early Aryan civilizations before it eventually dried up. As part of the Trishakti (Tri-Shakti), she is regarded as the Mother of the Vedas, the source of sacred hymns, rituals, and spiritual practices. Additionally, she is also recognized as the goddess of speech (Vak), language, and wisdom. Many believe she invented the Devanagari script, used for writing Sanskrit. Even today, Indian schools frequently house her idol as a symbol of learning.
In Thailand, her presence is most evident at Bharat Vidyalaya School near the Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha), where a statue of Saraswati is enshrined at the entrance.
Sunthareevani: The Thai Buddhist Version of Saraswati
In Thai Buddhism, Saraswati is known as Sunthareevani, a celestial deity with roots in Wat Suthat Thepwararam. She emerged during the reign of King Rama IV and is mentioned in the Saddavisesa scripture, which contains a 32-word sacred verse:
“Muninda vadanambuja gabbhasambhava suntharipaninang, saranang vani, mayhang pinayatang manang.”
This verse describes her as the embodiment of the Tripitaka, arising from the lotus of the Buddha’s lips, guiding beings toward wisdom and enlightenment.
According to historical records, Somdej Phra Wanarat (Daeng Silawatuthon Mahathera), the former abbot of Wat Suthat, meditated on this mantra regularly until he had a vision of the goddess. He then instructed an artist, Muen Siridhat Sangkhas, to create a depiction based on his vision.
In this Thai Buddhist interpretation, Sunthareevani is depicted as a radiant celestial maiden, adorned in exquisite attire with an ornate crown. She sits on a lotus, symbolizing the Buddha’s teachings, and makes a beckoning gesture with her right hand—an invitation to study and practice the Dharma. In her left hand, she holds a vajra gem, representing ultimate enlightenment. The original painting was enshrined in the abbot’s quarters, and today, a free-standing statue resides in the main Vihara of Wat Suthat, designed by National Artist Panya Vijinthanasarn.
Beyond her role in safeguarding the scriptures, Sunthareevani is also linked to the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, where she is associated with Manjushri Bodhisattva, the embodiment of wisdom. In Mahayana and Vajrayana texts, Manjushri is forever depicted as a youthful 16-year-old figure wielding a sword to cut through ignorance and holding a lotus or sacred scripture. In some beliefs, Saraswati is even considered his divine consort.
Saraswati Across Asia
The reverence for Saraswati extends beyond Hinduism and Thai Buddhism. In Japan, she is known as Benzaiten (Benten), the only female deity among the Seven Gods of Fortune. Often depicted wearing flowing celestial robes and playing a biwa (Japanese lute, akin to the Hindu veena), Benzaiten is the patroness of arts, music, and deep wisdom.
In Myanmar and among the Tai Yai people, she is called Surasati, and legend states that she descended to Earth during the time of Kakusandha Buddha, the first Buddha of this era. It is believed that she requested to remain on Earth to guard the Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures). Because of this, Surasati is venerated as a protector of knowledge and enlightenment. Monks and scholars seeking wisdom often pray to her before their studies.
Her depiction in Myanmar shows her as a beautiful and enchanting goddess, beloved by both humans and deities. She is often portrayed riding a swan, holding a tray containing the three baskets of the Tripitaka—Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Worshippers offer flowers and incense while chanting:
“Ung Surasati cha me mata, mata cha me Surasati, anukampang upadaya, siddhi detu Surasati.”
In Myanmar, it is also believed that Surasati has 12 different manifestations, each granting blessings in different aspects of life, from wisdom and eloquence to charm and prosperity.
What Would You Ask of Saraswati?
Across cultures and religions, Saraswati, under various names and forms, remains a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and eloquence. Whether you seek success in learning, artistic inspiration, or spiritual insight, her divine presence is ever ready to bestow blessings.
So, what would you ask from Goddess Saraswati?
Written by: Nai Mu
