Savitri

Savitri is a Vedic goddess who personifies the inspiring and illuminating power of the sun (Savitar). She is closely identified with Gayatri, the personification of the Gayatri Mantra, and is revered as the mother of the Vedas (Veda Mātā). In the Rigveda (3.62.10), the celebrated Gayatri Mantra is addressed to Savitar, the solar deity, and Savitri is considered the feminine aspect of that divine radiance. The Yajurveda (14.5) also invokes Savitri as the bestower of wisdom and enlightenment.

In Puranic literature, Savitri is described as the consort of Brahma, the creator god, and is sometimes considered a form of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. The Skanda Purana (Prabhasa Khanda) narrates the story of Savitri as the devoted wife of Satyavan, who through her unwavering devotion and wisdom, won back her husband's life from Yama, the god of death. This episode highlights her role as a symbol of marital fidelity and spiritual strength. Iconographically, Savitri is depicted with a golden or red complexion, seated on a lotus or a swan, holding a book and a lotus, representing knowledge and purity.

She is often shown with five faces and ten arms, similar to Gayatri, symbolizing her all-seeing and all-illuminating nature. The Devi Mahatmya (5.23) extols her as the supreme power that sustains the universe. Savitri is worshipped pan-India, especially during Vasant Panchami, when she is honored alongside Saraswati. Her mantras, including 'Om Sāvitryai Namaḥ' and the Gayatri Mantra, are chanted for intellectual clarity and spiritual awakening.

In Hindu cosmology, Savitri represents the solar energy that dispels ignorance and bestows divine wisdom, embodying the transformative power of light and knowledge.

Similar to Gayatri. Golden or red complexion. Seated on lotus or swan.