6. White Swan

Sixth track in Chants for Meditation is White Swan. White swan is considered special for Goddess Saraswati – the Goddess of all art forms, knowledge and wisdom. This chant depicts Goddess Saraswati in pure white clothes, with her white swan- symbolizing Purity of heart.

White Swan Chant: Chants for Meditation

या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ।
या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा पूजिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वति भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥१॥

Yaa Kunde[a-I]ndu-Tussaara-Haara-Dhavalaa Yaa Shubhra-Vastra-[A]avrtaa
Yaa Viinnaa-Vara-Danndda-Mannddita-Karaa Yaa Shveta-Padma-[A]asanaa |
Yaa Brahma-Acyuta-Shankara-Prabhrtibhir-Devaih Sadaa Puujitaa
Saa Maam Paatu Sarasvati Bhagavatii Nihshessa-Jaaddya-Apahaa ||1||

Meaning:
(Salutations to Devi Saraswati) Who is Pure White like Jasmine, with the Coolness of Moon, Brightness of Snow and Shine like theGarland of Pearls; and Who is Covered with Pure White Garments,
Whose Hands are Adorned with Veena (a stringed musical instrument) and the Boon-Giving Staff; And Who is Seated on Pure White Lotus,
Who is Always Adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Acyuta (Lord Vishnu), Lord Shankara and Other Devas,
O Goddess Saraswati, Please Protect me and Remove my Ignorance completely.

Mother Saraswati is heralded as Vag Devi (goddess of speech). She is said to be seated in the tongue of Lord Brahma, who is the master of all universal knowledge and wisdom. Mother Saraswati is the goddess of learning who is installed and worshipped in all educational institutions and organizations teaching and practicing visual, performing and fine arts.

Regular chanting of Saraswati Mantra can clarify thoughts, improve will power and the power of self-determination, vairagya or sense of detachment. The mantra can dispel ignorance and help in the quick mastering of all that is learnt. It can install the true purpose of life in the minds of the chanters and conform them firmly in their pursuit of spiritual advancement.

Saraswati mantra can significantly increase the power of concentration and help focus on what is learnt without any diversion or digression. Some of the imminent benefits of Saraswati Mantra are memory enhancement, refinement of knowledge and skills and clarity of expression. Professional speakers, singers and performers can immensely benefit from Saraswati Mantra.