Famous Saraswati Temple in India

Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, the arts, and education. Goddess Saraswati is also known as Bharati (eloquence), Shatarupa (existence), Vedamata ('mother of the Vedas'), Brahmi, Sarada, Vagisvari, and Putkari. The name Saraswati refers to saras which means “that which is fluid". Goddess Saraswati is the wife of God Brahma (the creator). The Goddess Saraswati is often depicted as calm, dressed in a white saree, and seated on a white lotus. Her association with the white color represents purity, wisdom, and truth. Devi Saraswati Temple is particularly vibrant during the Navratri and Aksharabhyasam rituals. Meanwhile, the temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati are comparatively fewer than those dedicated to deities. In this blog, we will explore the famous Saraswati Temple in India.

1. Gnana Saraswati Temple, Besar Telangana

Gnana Saraswati Temple is one of India's two oldest temples of Goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in Besar, Telangana. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati in her Gnana (knowledge) form. According to the Hindu Scriptures, the Sage Vyasa chose Besar to perform penance after the Kurukshetra war. Then he created the idols of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali in Besar by using sand from the Godavari River. Lakhs of Devotees gather here to perform the Aksharabhyasam ritual, where the children are introduced to the world by writing their first letters on rice grains or sand. The temple’s elegant structure harmonizes with its serene beauty, making it a perfect place for meditation and learning. This temple is situated in the middle of the scenic beauty of the Godavari River. The idol of Goddess Saraswati is decorated with exquisite jewelry and traditional attire. 

2. Shringeri Sharada Peetham, Karnataka

Shringeri Sharada Peetham is one of the four cardinal mathas (monastic centers) situated by Adi Shankaracharya. This is dedicated to Goddess Sharada, a manifestation of Goddess Saraswati. The temple is known as both a spiritual and educational hub. Shringeri Sharada Peetham is located in the beauty of Western Ghats, Karnataka. There is a golden idol of Goddess Sharada seated on a throne with sacred texts and a rosary in the temple. The temple is also the house of other deities such as Vidyashankara and Ganapati, making it a center of knowledge. There is Tunga River near the temple which adds to the temple’s serene atmosphere. This temple is the center of Vedic learning which attracts many students from around the world.

3. Koothanur Saraswathi Temple, Tamil Nadu

Koothanur Saraswati Temple is believed to be the only temple dedicated to Devi Saraswati in Tamil Nadu. This temple is located in the quaint village of Koothanur, Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. devotees worship the Goddess Saraswati for her literary prowess. There is a pond near the temple where devotees perform rituals. This temple is very famous for the Vijayadasami festival, which marks an auspicious time for initiating educational pursuits. This temple is like a haven for students, writers, and artists during the festivals of Navaratri and Vasant Panchami. Devotees offer pens, notebooks, and books to the Goddess to get the Goddess’s blessings for educational and creative success.

4. Wargal Saraswati Temple, Telangana

Wargal Saraswati temple is a renowned Hindu Temple located in Hyderabad and it is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The temple is popular for its grand structure and peaceful ambiance. This temple is famous for the Aksharabhyasam festival, a traditional ritual marking a child's initiation into education. This temple is also known as the Sri Vidya Saraswati Temple and it is located in Wargal village, Siddipet district, Telangana. For the children's academic journey, families visit this temple from various states to perform the Aksharabhyasam Festival.

5. Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple, Kerala

Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple is an important temple for Saraswati worship in South India. This temple is also known as the Dakshina Mookambika (Southern Mookambika). There is no Saraswati Devi idol in this temple, unlike other temples. In this temple, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in the form of divine presence amidst lush greenery. Navratri attracts a large number of Devotees at Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple. 

6. Mookambika Saraswati Temple, Kollur (Karnataka)

Mookambika Saraswati Temple is a renowned Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Mookambika. Goddess Mookambika is the divine feminine energy of Adi Shakti. The temple is situated in the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats, near the banks of the perennial River Sowparnika and the Kudajadri Hills. In this temple, Saraswati Devi is worshipped as an embodiment of knowledge and power. The temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and the scenic surroundings add to its spiritual charm

7. Saraswati Temple, Pilani (Rajasthan)

Saraswati Temple is a modern architectural marvel dedicated to Saraswati. This temple is located within the campus of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). This temple represents the union of traditional values and modern education. The stunning marble structure in this temple attracts thousands of devotees across India. This temple contains the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Pradakshina Path (circumambulatory path), Antarala (vestibule), Mandapam (main hall), and Ardha Mandapam (entrance porch). This temple exemplifies the Indo-Aryan Nagara style of architecture with a grand shikhara (spire) that rises to the height of 110 feet above the sanctum.

8. Savitri Devi Temple, Pushkar

This Saraswati Temple is widely known for its association with Lord Brahma (the husband of Goddess Saraswati. This temple holds immense historical and religious significance. This Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati the consort of Lord Brahma and the provider of wisdom. The Pushkar Fair at this temple attracts many pilgrims and tourists which increases the vibrancy of the temple’s spiritual aura. This temple is visited by the devotees for success in educational and artistic endeavors. 

9. Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar (Madhya Pradesh)

Sharda Devi Temple is the temple of the Goddess of learning (Goddess Saraswati). This temple is considered a Siddh Peeth and it is associated with the Shakti Peethas circuit. The temple is located on Trikuta Hill in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is popularly known as Maihar or Saraswati Temple. The temples have a breathtaking view which can be seen from the top of the Mountain. According to the locals, there is a devotee named Alha who is still alive (immortal) and she comes at 4 am to worship the Goddess. 

10. Mata Saraswati temple, Uttarakhand

The sacred shrine of Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, the arts, and education. The temple is believed to have connections with the sacred Saraswati River as it is situated near the River. Apart from this, the temple holds immense significance in the Vedas and scriptures as it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Saraswati. The temple is situated near the Bheem Pul which is a natural stone bridge believed to have been made by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata).