Its Vasant Panchami today - the day which marks the beginning of Vasant Ritu (Spring Season). This day is celebrated with special pooja of Saraswati - the Goddess of Wisdom & Music! Subh Muhurat to pray is: 07:07 am - 12:35 pm. The festival is symbolized by the color yellow, which is Goddess Saraswati's favorite color.
Vidhi of Saraswati Puja
Place an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati a top a wooden chowki draped in a fresh yellow fabric with a rangoli design. Make sure the image/idol is not facing south. You might, however, use the north-eastern route.
Forth the altar, you may also keep books, pens or pencils, musical instruments, canvas and paintbrushes, and so on. These represent education and the arts.
Place an oil lamp on the right side of the image and light it.
Do Dhyana (meditation) first, then Sankalpa (align your thoughts with the divine occasion and take a pledge that you would perform the rituals with utmost devotion).
Then, invoke Goddess Saraswati by doing Aavahan. Chant the following verses dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Mantras dedicated to Goddess Saraswati
Vidya Mantra
Saraswati Namasthubhyam
Varade Kamarupini
Vidhyarambam Karishyami
Siddhir Bavathume Sadha
Meaning:
Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, the one who blesses with boons and grants wishes. As I begin my education, shower me with the knowledge and intellect I need to attain wisdom.
Saraswati Vandana Shloka
Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala, Ya Shubhra Vastravrita
Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara, Ya Shveta Padmasana
Ya Brahmachyuta Shankara Prabhritibihi, Devaih Sada Pujita
Sa Mam Pattu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha Jadyapaha॥1॥
Meaning:
Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, who wears a garland of white pearls; the one dressed in white; the one who holds a Veena in her hand; the one who has the blessing mudra; and the one who is seated on a white lotus. Brahma, Vishnu and Shankara hail and worship you, O Goddess Saraswati, bless me and eliminate ignorance.
Saraswati mantras are popular among students who want to do well in their examinations. It is said that students who have worked hard but failed to succeed in tests have found these mantras to be helpful in achieving success in education and career.