Saraswati Vandana (Ya Kundendu)

सरस्वती वंदना (या कुन्देन्दु)

Saraswati Vandana is the traditional Sanskrit prayer to Goddess Saraswati that begins 'Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala'. It pictures her white as jasmine, the moon and snow, holding the veena and seated on a white lotus, and asks her to remove all dullness of mind. Students recite it before study and exams, it is sung in school assemblies in many parts of India, and it is said on Vasant (Basant) Panchami.

Shloka 1

Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastravrita

Ya Veena Vara Danda Mandita Kara Ya Shveta Padmasana

Ya Brahmachyuta Shankara Prabhritibhir Devaih Sada Vandita

Sa Maam Patu Saraswati Bhagavati Nihshesha Jadyapaha

She who is white as jasmine, the moon, snow and a string of pearls; who is clad in white; whose hands are graced by the fine veena; who is seated on a white lotus; who is always revered by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the other gods: may that divine Saraswati protect me and remove every trace of dullness from my mind.

Shloka 2

Shuklam Brahma Vichara Sara Paramam Adyam Jagad Vyapinim

Veena Pustaka Dharinim Abhayadam Jadyandhakarapaham

Haste Sphatika Malikam Vidadhatim Padmasane Samsthitam

Vande Tam Parameshvarim Bhagavatim Buddhipradam Sharadam

I bow to Sharada, the supreme goddess: pure white, the highest essence of reflection on Brahman, the primordial one who pervades the world; who holds the veena and a book, grants fearlessness and dispels the darkness of dullness; who holds a crystal rosary in her hand and is seated on a lotus; the divine giver of wisdom.

Shloka 3

Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kamarupini

Vidyarambham Karishyami Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada

Salutations to you, O Saraswati, giver of boons, who take whatever form you will. I am about to begin my studies; may there always be success for me.