Saraswati Laxmi & Durga : Knowledge Wealth & Power

 Mythology stems from the power of imagination. All of us as human beings like to tell stories and hear stories. The power to create imagine and believe stories make humans different from other creations. Stories are a good way to understand the riddles of human life. As we reflect and ponder about our daily existence and relationship with nature and the people around us we often use our experiences and shape our response to everything. 

If we think of humans as the highest of creations we certainly can think of primates as our precursors. They are similar to the hunter gatherer man. These men could only think of the fight or flight response to any threat. But humans have evolved and conquered nature, and learnt to create objects to conquer nature and dominate the earth. Yet, in this very power structure are sown the seeds of destruction. 

The age of science even though it had its root in discoveries and inventions came in conflict with stories, myths and beliefs as it demanded proof and evidence which could be replicated under controlled conditions. Yet the power of imagination, probabilistic thinking is needed for scientific progress. The mystery of Creation, Preservation Destruction and Rebirth remains unsolved. Mythology may have some answers which science perhaps may not have. 

Hindu mythology propagates the trinity of Creativity, Preservation and Destruction and this is symbolised by the Gods Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva. These also effectively are related to the natural cyclical phenomena of birth life and death. But remarkably they are male and linked to female associates. Brahma the Creator is associated with Saraswati the Goddess of learning representing Knowledge. Vishnu the Preserver is associated with Laxmi the Goddess of money representing Wealth. Shiva the Destroyer is associated with Durga the Goddess of strength representing Power. 

The interplay between these three and life probably holds the key to the use of Intellect and helps differentiate humans from animals, birds, fishes insects and other lives. 

The Godess Sraswati is shown in a white saree, which represents peace and serenity which is the Satvic element of nature. Her one left hand holds the Vedas book of knowledge and a Rosary in one right hand which represents prayerful meditation and with other two hand she is playing the veena. Here though ostensily it appears to be an appreiation of fine arts and music, it actually symbolises creativity and culture in any society. Knowledge creates wisdom and opens the door to peace and prosperity. Her vehicle is a white swan which teaches us to distinguish between good and evil. 

The Goddess Laxmi is clad in red which is the symbol of prosperity. It represents activity and turmoil representing the Rjasic element of nature. Her two hand hold lotuses which bloom in adversity. Her one  right hand shows her filling a vessal with gold coins and the left shows the abhaya mudra symbolic of fearlessness. With knowledge and hard work comes prosperity and wealth. Wealth is needed to take care of the vehicles of body mind intellect which are the tools to gain knowledge and exercise power. At her feet is shown an owl which is awake and ever vigilant to ensure wealth is not misused but preserved to ensure happiness and prosperity of all of us. 

The Goddess Durga is clad in a red saree and shown as a symbol of power and destruction. She rides on a lion or a tiger and in 10 hands has symbols of power, protection and reconciliation. These are Chakra, Conch, Bow and Arrow, Vajra, Lotus, Sword, Trishul, Gada, Fire and Abhaya Mudra. Besides, weapons the presence of Chakra signifies righteousness in exercising power, Conch represents harmony, lotus is to show detachment and fire for wisdom. Power exercised for overcoming evil and restoring harmony is good for humanity. 

Pursuit of Knowledge and innovation for the sake of Selfless action will lead to wealth and happiness of a kind which is long lasting. Creation and Wealth require protection from a just power exercised for the good of humanity. A harmony of Creation, Preservation and Destruction will usher in an era of peace, prosperity and progress. 

Humans are capable of this but an imbalance of any of this will lead to the chaos we see in this world. Knowledge without discrimination will create the intelligent person who does not care for society and simply use intelligence to create profit and wealth for selfish gain. On the other wealth gained through unrighteous means will become an obsession and one cannot enjoy happiness and prosperity with this accumulation of wealth. The insatiable nature of desires will lead to constant agitation and worries of the past and anxiety of the future. This leads to anxiety to earn more and protect what one has already earned. Lastly power exercised as a means of opression without righteousness, detachment and wisdom will lead to anarchy, chaos and dictators. 

Finally, I think this elegant trinity of feminine power married to the cycle of evolution, preservation and dissolution makes the mythological stories powerful and meaningful. I am sure that many atheists or non believers will scoff at this linkage, but the images and evidence suggest otherwise. I just felt that this was worth sharing as a background of ethical living and structure in society. 

Dr. Vispi Jokhi