Balinese Life
Saraswati Images, the Beauty of Learning

In the Javano-Balinese pawukon calendrical system, the last (210th) day within the cycle is Saturday Umanis Wuku Watugunung. On this day falls the so-called Saraswati Day, a festivity to celebrate the descent of Vedas on earth. At least, there are two key points we can discover from this feast day. Firstly, it's a milestone of awareness on the importance of learning and gratitude to God for this grace. Secondly, as Saraswati feast falls on the last day, it reminds devotees that they will soon enter the new cycle on the following day. Having performed Saraswati puja along with its procession, either at school or at home, they do self-purification to the sea on Banyupinaruh day and some may also bring off flower bath. It is really a comprehensive preparation, both spiritually and physically, to face the challenges of life in the next cycle.

By nature, Vedas constituting a body of dozens of holy texts known collectively as the Veda have given enlightenment on wisdom to human beings for more than 8,000 years. It encompasses knowledge on every aspect of life, like linguistic, arts, religious law, rites manual, architecture, astrology, astronomy, health and assuredly many more.
Those branches of learning are at all times intrigue human to discover the mystery of nature and life as well as improve their civilization through the ages. Such learning is just like a beauty. That's why the arts and learning are represented with beautiful Goddess Saraswati. The word Saraswati is derived from Sanskrit meaning 'the flowing one.' In addition, Saraswati is mythological consort of the God Brahma, feminine aspect of the Creator and embodiment of learning and wisdom. Her image can be found widely at schools or educational institutions across Bali.
Aanthropomorphic images, or murti of Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted wearing a white sari and has four hands. Sometimes, it may invite a slightly different interpretation, however, they refer to the same significance. Those hands respectively hold a veena or sitar (both are Indian musical instruments)-symbol of universallaw and metre; mala or strands of beads-endless prayers and concentration; scripture on pieces of palmyra leaf-symbol of learning and wisdom; and lotus flower-purity of God. And, she is standing upon a swan (Anser indicus). It has manifold significances, including Supreme Soul and individual soul, noble symbol for an adept class of renunciates who flies high above the mundane and drives right toward the goal, or of the discriminating yogi who can see the Divine and leave the rest.
Why should we worship God or His manifestation in the physical forms, not in His original spiritual appearance? In his Raja Vidya, Swami Prabhupada says that we cannot see God immediately in His spiritual appearance. With material eyes, we just can see stone, earth, wood or whatsoever-anything tangible. When we concentrate our mind on such material form and present something wholeheartedly, with love and devotion, He will responds our love through such form.
As God is omnipresent, He also resides within the physical image. As soon as we attained a development in spiritual awareness, we will start to see His original appearance. Further, Swami Prabhupada gives an interesting simile, if we put a letter into the mailbox, it will be conveyed to its addressee since the mailbox has been officially inaugurated. Similarly, if we worship the approved image of God, our faith will accomplish. Assuredly, if we're willing to obey myriad of scriptural teachings and have qualifications for that, it enable us to see Him everywhere. (BTN/029)