6th day of Devi Alamkaram

The Sixth day of Devi is dedicated to appear us all as "Maha Saraswati Devi" and the date of Maha Saraswati Devi Puja in Kanakadurga temple of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh is 13 October 2010 (Moola Nakshatra Saraswati Puja).

Saraswati Pooja is one of the important puja performed during Durga Navratri, which is also called Sharada Navratri. Sharada is the synonym or another name for Goddess Saraswathi. Sharada Navratri means the nine divine nights dedicated to Durga who is worshipped during Sharad ruthu (September – October). Saraswathi Pooja falls during the most auspicious days in Durga Navratri – Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. On Vijaya Dashami day, Saraswathi Visarjan is performed.

Saraswati Pooja begins on the Moola nakshatram (star constellation) day and ends on the Shravana nakshatra day. There is a Sanskrit line about the puja dates or days:

Moole Navahaye deveem Shravanena Visarjayeth

Generally, during Durga Navratri, Moola nakshatra day falls on Maha Saptami and Shravana nakshatram day falls on Vijaya Dashami. Saraswati pooja is observed as Saraswati Devi Triratra vratam in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka. In Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat, Saraswati Pooja is performed for three days starting from Maha Saptami. Saraswati Pooja during Sharada Navratri is a breath taking event in Gnana Saraswathi Devi Devasthanam at Basara in Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh and Shringeri Sharada Peetham at Shringeri of Karnataka.

Saraswati Puja, also referred as Saraswati Triratra vratam, is observed during the last three days in Durga Navratri festival in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Saraswati Puja 2010 starts on October 13 and ends on October 16. Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, is worshipped during these days.Saraswati Puja 2010 Calendar and dates of Devi Triratra vratam 2010:

Saraswati Puja Avahan – 13 October 2010 – Maha Sashti – Triratra vratam starts in Andhra Pradesh

Saraswati Puja – 14 October 2010 - Maha Saptami

Saraswati Uttara Puja – 15 October 2010 - Durga Ashtami

Sarasawati Visarjan or Udwasan – 16 October 2010 - Maha Navami

In Kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Saraswati Puja is observed on Vijaya Dashami, the last day of Durga Navaratri. Vidyarambham is the main event observed on Vijayadashami. This is one of the largest events during Navaratri in Kerala.

Vidyarambham is a grand event in Panachikkada Saraswathi temple in kottayam Thiruvullakkavu in Thrissur, the Mookambika Temple Vadakkan Paravur Temple in Ernakulam district of Kerala and the Mookambika temple in Udupi district of Karnataka. In Kerala, Saraswati Pooja is also observed on Mahanavami.

In Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Saraswati Puja is observed as Triratra vratam (three nights dedicated to the Goddess). In some places, during the days of Saraswati Puja, Suhasini Puja and Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja are observed.

In South India temples, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on Maha Shashti (sixth day) during Navaratri. During Sharad Navaratri in Vijayawada Kanakadurga temple, on Mahasashti, Durga is worshipped in Maha Saraswati Devi alankaram.

Importance of Sri Mahasaraswati:

Saraswati is the goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe as per the Hindu Religion. Saraswati is regarded as the destroyer of chaos and confusion. Slokas on Saraswati form the part of prayers offered to the goddess. Saraswati Slokas/ Shlokas are as follows:

"Ya Devi Stuyate Nityam Vibhuhairvedaparagaih

Same Vasatu Jihvagre Brahmarupa Saraswati"

Meaning: Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, is praised by the intelligent who have mastered the Shastra (scriptures). She is the wife of the Creator. May she live on my tongue.

"Shrii Saraswatii Namahstubhyam Varade Kaama Ruupini

Twaam Aham Praarthane Devii Vidyaadaanam Cha Dehi Me"

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Saraswati, who fulfills the wishes of the devotees. I pray her to enlighten me with knowledge.

"Sarasvathi Namastubhyam, Varade Kaamaroopini

Vidyaarambham Karishyaami, Siddhir Bhavatu Mey Sada"

Meaning: Saraswati is the provider of boons and the one, who grants all our desires. As I begin my studies, I bow to the Goddess to help me in making it fruitful and make me successful in all my efforts.

Note:

• In India,almost in every school teaches the Saraswati slokam & Vinayaka/Ganapati Slokam first to gain Knowledge & Wisdom.
• Moms & Dads make your Kids read this Slokam before starting theirstudies from small age.