About this stotra
This popular verse is traditionally recited before beginning any study or new learning. The devotee prays for mental clarity, focus, and removal of obstacles in the pursuit of the knowledge being sought.
It begins with "Sarasvati Namasthubyaṃ" - honouring and paying obeisance to Goddess Sarasvati. Who is the giver of boons (varade) and one who gives form to one's desires by bringing them to fruition (kāmarūpiṇi).
The phrase "vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi" is a sacred declaration where the devotee expresses their commitment to embark upon the path of learning and knowledge acquisition.
The shloka concludes with "siddhirbhavatu me sadā," expressing an aspiration for consistent, everlasting success. "Siddhir" means accomplishment or success, while "bhavatu me sadā" asks for this success to be eternal or constant, reflecting the desire for a continuous state of growth.
By chanting this shloka, the student or scholar prays to Goddess Sarasvati for the ability to achieve lasting success in their pursuit of knowledge under her divine guidance.
॥ १ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 1
Sarasvati Namasthubyam – Verse 1
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि
विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा
sarasvati namastubhyaṃ varade kāmarūpiṇi
vidyārambhaṃ kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā
O Sarasvatī, I bow to you, the giver of boons, who fulfills desires. I am beginning my pursuit of knowledge. May success always be mine.
Word by word
- सरस्वति (sarasvati)
- O Sarasvatī
- नमः (namaḥ)
- bow
- तुभ्यम् (tubhyam)
- to you
- वरदे (varade)
- giver of boons
- कामरूपिणि (kāmarūpiṇi)
- who fulfills desires
- विद्यारम्भं (vidyārambhaṃ)
- beginning of knowledge (vidyā:knowledge | ārambhaṃ:beginning)
- करिष्यामि (kariṣyāmi)
- I am beginning
- सिद्धिः (siddhiḥ)
- success
- भवतु (bhavatu)
- may be
- मे (me)
- mine
- सदा (sadā)
- always
