Introduction
Neela Saraswati, also known as Tara Devi or Blue Saraswati,
is a revered deity in Hinduism, especially in the Tantric tradition. She is one
of the ten Mahavidyas and is considered a fierce and powerful form of Goddess
Saraswati. While Saraswati is traditionally associated with wisdom, learning,
and arts, her Neela form signifies transformative power, removing obstacles,
and granting blessings to overcome enemies and ignorance.
This article explores the essence of the Neela Saraswati
Mantra (Stotram), its significance, the method of chanting, and the manifold
benefits associated with its recitation.
Who Is Neela Saraswati?
Neela Saraswati represents a more dynamic and fierce aspect
of Goddess Saraswati. Unlike her serene white-robed form associated with peace
and knowledge, Neela Saraswati embodies power, protection, and the removal of
negativity. She is also identified with Tara Devi, another Mahavidya, who is a
savior and protector of her devotees.
The name "Neela Saraswati" translates to
"Blue Saraswati," symbolizing her unique aura of wisdom and
destruction of ignorance. She is worshipped for achieving success in life,
gaining wisdom, and overcoming adversities.
Significance of Neela Saraswati Stotram
The Neela Saraswati Stotram is a potent mantra that
invokes the goddess to destroy ignorance, overcome enemies, and grant success
in various endeavors. The stotram is composed of Sanskrit verses that praise
the goddess's power and seek her protection.
Key Highlights:
- Destruction
of Enemies: The mantra is particularly effective for individuals
facing challenges from opponents or negative influences.
- Gaining
Knowledge: Students and scholars recite the mantra to enhance
learning, memory, and intellectual capabilities.
- Spiritual
Growth: The mantra aids in spiritual awakening and liberation
(moksha).
- Protection:
It acts as a shield against negative energies, fear, and uncertainties.
Full Meaning of the Verses
Here is the text of the stotram along with its English
meaning:
- घोररूपे महारावे सर्वशत्रुभयङ्करि।
- भक्तेभ्यो वरदे देवि त्राहि मां
शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess with a terrifying form and dreadful roar, the one who instills fear in all enemies and grants boons to devotees! Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - ॐ सुरासुरार्चिते देवि सिद्धगन्धर्वसेविते।
- जाड्यपापहरे देवि त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess worshipped by gods and demons alike, served by Siddhas and Gandharvas, and remover of ignorance and sins! Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - जटाजूटसमायुक्ते लोलजिह्वान्तकारिणि।
- द्रुतबुद्धिकरे देवि त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess adorned with matted locks of hair, the one who controls her restless tongue and sharpens intellect! Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - सौम्यक्रोधधरे रूपे चण्डरूपे नमोऽस्तु
ते।
- सृष्टिरूपे नमस्तुभ्यं त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess who embodies both gentleness and fury, and takes a ferocious form! I bow to you. O Creator of the universe, I bow to you. Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - जडानां जडतां हन्ति भक्तानां भक्तवत्सला।
- मूढ़तां हर मे देवि त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess who destroys the ignorance of the ignorant and is affectionate toward her devotees! Please remove my foolishness and protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - वं ह्रूं ह्रूं कामये देवि बलिहोमप्रिये
नमः।
- उग्रतारे नमो नित्यं त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess invoked by the seed mantras "Vam" and "Hrum Hrum," the one who loves offerings and sacrifices! I bow to you. O fierce protector, I bow to you daily. Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - बुद्धिं देहि यशो देहि कवित्वं देहि
देहि मे।
- मूढ़त्वं च हरेद्देवि त्राहि मां
शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess, grant me intelligence, fame, poetic ability, and remove my ignorance. Please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - इन्द्रादिविलसद्द्वन्द्ववन्दिते
करुणामयि।
- तारे ताराधिनाथास्ये त्राहि मां शरणागतम्।
Meaning: O Goddess worshipped by the likes of Indra, adorned with graceful pairs of feet, filled with compassion, and with a moon-like face that shines! O savior of the world, please protect me, your devotee who has surrendered to you. - अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां नवम्यां
यः पठेन्नरः।
- षण्मासैः सिद्धिमाप्नोति नात्र कार्या विचारणा।
Meaning: A person who recites this hymn on the eighth, ninth, or fourteenth day of the lunar cycle attains success within six months. There is no doubt about it. - मोक्षार्थी लभते मोक्षं धनार्थी
लभते धनम्।
- विद्यार्थी लभते विद्यां तर्कव्याकरणादिकम्।
Meaning: One who seeks liberation attains liberation, one who seeks wealth gains wealth, and one who seeks knowledge acquires learning, including logic and grammar. - इदं स्तोत्रं पठेद्यस्तु सततं श्रद्धयाऽन्वितः।
- तस्य शत्रुः क्षयं याति महाप्रज्ञा
प्रजायते।
Meaning: A person who regularly recites this hymn with devotion will see their enemies destroyed and attain great wisdom. - पीडायां वापि संग्रामे जाड्ये दाने
तथा भये।
- य इदं पठति स्तोत्रं शुभं तस्य न संशयः।
Meaning: A person who recites this hymn during distress, battle, ignorance, charity, or fear, achieves well-being without any doubt. - इति प्रणम्य स्तुत्वा च योनिमुद्रां
प्रदर्शयेत्।
Meaning: After reciting this hymn with devotion and bowing down, one should also show the Yoni Mudra for complete reverence and effect.
Method of Chanting Neela Saraswati Mantra
To derive maximum benefits, the mantra should be chanted
with devotion and as per the prescribed rituals. Below is a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation
- Choose
a clean and quiet space for chanting.
- Wear
clean clothes, preferably white or yellow, symbolizing purity and
knowledge.
- Place
an idol or picture of Neela Saraswati or Tara Devi on a clean altar.
2. Offerings
- Light
a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks.
- Offer
flowers (preferably blue or white), fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
- Recite
Saraswati Vandana or other preliminary prayers to invoke her blessings.
3. Chanting Procedure
- Sit in
a meditative posture (Padmasana or Sukhasana).
- Begin
with an invocation to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Recite
the Neela Saraswati Stotram slowly, with focus on the meaning of each
verse.
- Chant
the stotram at least 11 times daily for significant results.
4. Timing
- The
mantra can be recited daily but is especially powerful when chanted on:
- Vasant
Panchami: A day dedicated to Saraswati Puja.
- Ashtami,
Navami, or Chaturdashi Tithi: As per the lunar calendar.
- The
early morning hours (Brahma Muhurta) are considered the best time for
chanting.
Benefits of Neela Saraswati Stotram
The Neela Saraswati Stotram is revered for its
transformative effects on life. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Overcoming Challenges and Enemies
- The
stotram helps eliminate obstacles caused by enemies, negativity, and
malefic planetary influences.
- It
instills courage and confidence to face adversities.
2. Enhanced Intelligence and Creativity
- Students
and professionals recite the mantra to sharpen their memory, focus, and
intellectual abilities.
- It is
believed to improve proficiency in arts, literature, and creative
pursuits.
3. Spiritual Growth
- Regular
chanting of the stotram fosters spiritual awakening and inner peace.
- It
aids in overcoming ignorance and moving towards self-realization.
4. Fulfillment of Desires
- The
mantra is said to fulfill desires related to knowledge, wealth, and
success.
- It
ensures overall prosperity and well-being.
5. Divine Protection
- The
mantra acts as a shield against evil forces, fears, and anxieties.
- It
brings a sense of calm and security to the devotee.
Scientific and Psychological Perspectives
The recitation of powerful mantras like the Neela Saraswati
Stotram has a profound impact on the mind and body. Scientific studies suggest
that chanting:
- Reduces
stress and anxiety by regulating breathing.
- Improves
concentration and mental clarity.
- Creates
a positive vibrational energy that benefits overall health.
Conclusion
The Neela Saraswati Mantra is not just a hymn of praise; it
is a tool for self-improvement, protection, and spiritual upliftment. By
understanding its meaning and chanting it with devotion, one can experience
profound positive changes in life. Whether you seek wisdom, courage, or peace,
the Neela Saraswati Stotram can guide you towards your goals.
In the words of the stotram itself:
"He who recites this hymn with faith and devotion shall see the
destruction of his enemies, attain great wisdom, and experience auspiciousness
in all aspects of life."
May the blessings of Neela Saraswati bring wisdom and
prosperity to all!