Saraswati Mahabhage (Saraswati Prarthana) — Word-by-Word Meaning
सरस्वति महाभागे (सरस्वती प्रार्थना)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सरस्वति
Saraswati
O Saraswati (goddess of learning, speech and the arts)
महाभागे
Mahābhāge
O most fortunate and glorious one; O greatly blessed
विद्ये
Vidye
O embodiment of knowledge / learning itself
कमललोचने
Kamalalochane
O lotus-eyed one
विश्वरूपे
Viśvarūpe
O you whose form is the entire universe
विशालाक्षि
Viśālākṣi
O large-eyed (wide-eyed) one
विद्यां
Vidyāṃ
Knowledge, learning, wisdom
देहि
Dehi
Please grant / bestow upon me
नमोऽस्तु ते
Namo'stu te
My salutations be unto you
Complete Translation
O Saraswati, most blessed and glorious one, embodiment of knowledge, lotus-eyed; O Goddess whose form is the whole universe, O wide-eyed one — please grant me knowledge. My salutations be unto you.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Saraswati prarthana shloka
Author: Unknown (traditional)
Period: Classical
This verse is among the best-loved short invocations of Goddess Saraswati, passed down through generations as the prayer with which students begin their study. Addressing the goddess by her qualities — most blessed, the embodiment of learning, lotus-eyed, universe-formed and wide-eyed — it culminates in the heartfelt request 'Vidyam dehi,' grant me knowledge. Its simplicity and directness have made it a staple of Vidyarambha ceremonies and Vasant Panchami worship across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saraswati?▼
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, speech, music and the arts. She is depicted as serene and lotus-seated, holding the veena and a book, embodying wisdom and the flow of pure understanding.
When is Saraswati Mahabhage chanted?▼
It is chanted before study and examinations, at the start of a child's education (Vidyarambha), and especially on Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja), to seek the goddess's blessings for knowledge.
What does the prayer ask for?▼
It asks simply and directly for 'vidya' — knowledge and learning. The phrase 'Vidyam dehi' means 'please grant me knowledge,' making it the perfect prayer for any student or seeker of wisdom.
Can children chant this prayer?▼
Yes, it is one of the most popular prayers taught to children. It is short, easy to memorize, and traditionally recited before beginning lessons to invoke Saraswati's grace over their studies.
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