सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥
sarasvati namastubhyaṃ varade kāmarūpiṇi .
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā ..
Namaskar, O Saraswati, grantor of blessings and embodiment of all wishes. Bless me as I commence my studies, and help me to be successful in the gain of knowledge.
Today’s shloka is as relevant for adults as it is for kids.
The English translation does not do justice to the depth of meaning. On the surface, it is a prayer that is usually recited at the beginning of a study session, invoking Devi Saraswati and asking for her blessings so as to study well.
Deeper down, it goes beyond mere studies. Vidya means “correct knowledge” in any field of science, learning, philosophy, or any factual knowledge that cannot be disputed or refuted.
Its root is विद् (vid), which means “to reason upon”, knower, finding, knowing, acquiring or understanding. Vidyā gives insight, in the spiritual sphere it leads to salvation, in daily life it leads to progress and prosperity.
And so one aims to seek, and acquire vidyā, and gain siddhi in the process – siddhi meaning accomplishment, completeness, the destination.
Recommended every day before opening his/her books and commencing the studies for the day.
See you tomorrow!