सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं — Word-by-Word Meaning
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सरस्वति
Saraswati
O Goddess Saraswati, deity of knowledge, speech and the arts
नमस्तुभ्यं
Namastubhyam
Salutations to you
वरदे
Varade
O bestower of boons
कामरूपिणि
Kamarupini
O one who can take any form at will / fulfiller of wishes
विद्यारम्भं
Vidyarambham
The beginning of study and learning
करिष्यामि
Karishyami
I shall undertake / I am about to begin
सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा
Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada
May success always be mine
Complete Translation
हे वरदायिनी, इच्छानुसार रूप धारण करने वाली सरस्वती! आपको नमस्कार। मैं विद्या आरम्भ करता हूँ; मुझे सदा सिद्धि प्राप्त हो।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit student invocation (Smriti)
Author: Ancient tradition
Period: Ancient
This verse is the time-honoured opening prayer of the Indian student. Before touching a book, a learner salutes Saraswati — the goddess of vidya — and dedicates the act of study to her, asking that effort always ripen into siddhi (success). For generations it has been recited at the start of the school day and at Vidyarambham, the ceremony marking a child's first lesson in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I chant Saraswati Namastubhyam?▼
Recite it before you begin studying, before an exam, or whenever you start learning something new. It is also chanted on Vasant Panchami and during Vidyarambham, when a child is first introduced to letters.
What does 'Kamarupini' mean?▼
'She who can assume any form she wishes.' It praises Saraswati as the boon-giver whose grace can take whatever shape a sincere seeker of knowledge needs.
Is this prayer suitable for children?▼
Yes — it is one of the first prayers taught to schoolchildren in India. Its two short lines are easy to memorise, and it is recited at the start of the school day and before lessons.
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