The shloka
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥
sarasvati namastubhyaṃ varade kāmarūpiṇi |
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā ||
Saraswati namastubhyam varade kamarupini
Vidyarambham karishyami siddhirbhavatu me sada
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे वर देने वाली, इच्छानुसार रूप धारण करने वाली माँ सरस्वती, आपको नमस्कार है। मैं विद्या का आरम्भ करने जा रहा हूँ; मुझे इसमें सदा सफलता प्राप्त हो।
Meaning in English
O Saraswati, giver of boons, who takes any form at will, salutations to you. I am about to begin my studies; may I always attain success in them.
Recited Saraswati Namastubhyam?
Mark it, light a diya, or keep it for tomorrow.
Word-by-word meaning
- sarasvati
- O Saraswati
- namastubhyam
- salutations to you
- varade
- O giver of boons
- kāmarūpiṇi
- O one who takes any form at will
- vidyārambham
- the beginning of learning
- kariṣyāmi
- I shall do, I am about to begin
- siddhiḥ
- success, accomplishment
- bhavatu
- may there be
- me sadā
- for me, always
When and how to recite
- Sit at your study place with a clean desk and your books in front of you.
- Join your palms and think of Goddess Saraswati holding the veena and a book.
- Recite the shloka once or three times before you begin reading.
- It is also recited on Vasant Panchami, at Vidyarambham and before exams.
Significance
Saraswati Namastubhyam is the student's prayer to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music and speech. It is recited before opening books, before an exam, at the start of a class and especially at Vidyarambham, when a child begins formal learning. In two simple lines the student salutes the giver of boons and asks that the learning about to begin may always bear fruit. Schools across India use it as their morning prayer.
Learning in Hindu tradition is not just the gathering of information but a sacred discipline. By bowing to Saraswati before study, the student approaches knowledge with respect, humility and concentration. The prayer asks for 'siddhi', true accomplishment, so that what is learned becomes lasting understanding. It also gently reminds the learner that knowledge is a gift to be used well, and that sincerity and steady effort are the true offerings to the Goddess.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Saraswati Namastubhyam?
It means: 'O Saraswati, giver of boons who takes any form at will, I bow to you. I am beginning my studies; may I always succeed.'
When should students recite Saraswati Namastubhyam?
Before starting study each day, before exams or classes, on Vasant Panchami and at Vidyarambham.
What does 'Kamarupini' mean in this shloka?
It means one who can assume any form at will, describing the Goddess's divine power.
