Saraswati Vandana Lyrics: ‘Ya Kundendu…’ — Which Saraswati Vandana Is Sung? Know Its Meaning Before Singing on Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami, also celebrated as Saraswati Puja, holds deep religious and educational significance in India. The festival is especially important for schoolchildren, students, and teachers, as it is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and arts. In 2026, Basant Panchami will be observed on January 23.

On this auspicious day, schools and colleges across the country organize cultural programs and prayer assemblies, where students perform and sing the Saraswati Vandana. One of the most commonly recited hymns is the Sanskrit shloka beginning with “Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala…”. While many students chant this verse regularly, only a few are familiar with its deeper meaning.

To help students and devotees connect more meaningfully with the prayer, here is the popular Saraswati Vandana along with its Hindi meaning, which can be understood before singing it on Basant Panchami 2026.

Saraswati Vandana (Sanskrit Shloka)

Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala, Ya Shubhra Vastra Avrita, Ya Veena Varadanda Mandit Kara, Ya Shweta Padmasana.

Ya Brahma Achyuta Shankara Prabhritibhir Devaih Sada Vandita, Sa Mam Patu Saraswati Bhagavati Nihshesha Jadyapaha.

Meaning (Explained)

The shloka describes Goddess Saraswati as pure and radiant like the white lotus, the moon, and a garland of snow. She is adorned in white garments, symbolizing purity and wisdom. Holding the Veena and blessing devotees with her divine grace, she is seated on a white lotus. She is worshipped by great deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The prayer seeks her blessings to remove ignorance and protect the devotee by granting knowledge and wisdom.

Another Popular Saraswati Vandana

Shuklam Brahmavichara Sara Paramam Adyam Jagadvyapineem, Veena Pustaka Dharinim Abhayadam Jadyandhakarapaham.

Haste Sphatika Malikam Vidadhatim Padmasane Samsthitam, Vande Tam Parameshwarim Bhagavatim Buddhipradam Sharadam.

Meaning (Explained)

This hymn praises Goddess Saraswati as the supreme embodiment of pure knowledge and wisdom, the primal divine energy present throughout the universe. Holding a Veena and sacred scriptures, she blesses devotees with fearlessness, dispels the darkness of ignorance, and bestows intellect, understanding, and enlightenment. Seated gracefully on a lotus, she is revered as Sharada, the giver of wisdom.

Significance on Basant Panchami

Saraswati Vandana is more than a ritual—it is a reminder of the importance of learning, discipline, and inner clarity. On Basant Panchami, chanting these hymns helps students begin their educational journey with devotion and purpose.

Understanding the meaning of the Saraswati Vandana adds depth to the prayer, making the celebration of Basant Panchami 2026 more meaningful and spiritually enriching.