Animals and birds as vehicle of gods and goddesses-A glimpse

Part-3

Saraswati - The goddess of learning.

She is supposed to have sprung from the Almighty's mouth. This may be the reason behind her being the goddess of learning. Saraswati, the consort of Brahma, the creator represents his power and intelligence without which organized creation is not possible. Swan is her vehicle. In popular mythological literature, peacock is also associated with her.

The peacock with its beautiful plumage stands for the world in all its glory or the sciences and arts of the world and symbolizes Avidya or Apara vidya. The sound of peacock is called keka. Among the seven notes of classical music ( Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni ), Sa known by the term shadja which is the basis of all swaras is said to have emanated from the sound of peacock. On the other hand, the swan which flies to the lake in the Himalaya mountains ( Manasarover ) at the on set of rainy season due to its aversion to muddy water on the earth is supposed to possess the peculiar power of separating milk ( essence ) from water( non- essence ). This quality of swan stands for discrimination and hence for Vidya or the highest knowledge. In the Upanishads, the worldly or secular sciences and arts are denoted by the term Apara vidya or Avidya and spiritual science is called Para vidya or Vidya. Both are essential for man. We transcend hunger and thirst ( livelihood ) through the secular sciences and obtain immortality through the spiritual science or knowledge of the self. It is to teach this great truth that the two vehicles the peacock and swan are associated with the goddess of learning.