In reverent preparation for the worship of Sarasvati, the pure goddess of wisdom, many auspicious items are gathered. The sacred swastika is drawn, symbolizing well-being, and offerings of sugar and unbroken grains of white rice are arranged. Clarified butter is prepared, along with salt-seasoned oblations and a variety of delicious dishes. Cakes are made, the swastika is honored once more, and ripe mango fruit is laid out. Coconut and its cooling water, saffron, ginger root, and ripe fruits—chosen according to their season and place—are presented, each white and expertly prepared. Fragrant white flowers fill the air with their gentle scent, and richly aromatic white sandalwood is offered. Garlands of white flowers are woven, and ornaments of pearls and gems adorn the altar. Everything that is seen or heard in the scriptures, and all meditations praised in the Vedas, are invoked in this worship. Sarasvati herself is envisioned, radiant in white, smiling and exceedingly charming. She is clad in garments purified by fire, her beauty and grace captivating all. The hosts of gods worship her with devotion—Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others bow before her. Thus, the wise one meditates from the root, offering everything with heartfelt devotion. For those whose chosen goddess is Sarasvati, auspiciousness always surrounds them, O sage. The root of all offerings is the supreme Vedic eight-syllable mantra, which ends with Sarasvati in the fourth case and invokes the wife of fire. This mantra is: "Śrīṃ Hrīṃ Sarasvatyai Svāhā." Long ago, Narayana, the ocean of mercy, bestowed this mantra upon Valmiki. Bhrigu gave it to Shukra at Pushkara during the solar festival. Brahma, pleased, granted it to Bhrigu at the Badarika hermitage, and Vibhāṇḍaka gave it to the wise Ṛṣyaśṛṅga on Mount Meru. Shiva imparted it to the sage Kaṇāda and to Gautama. Śeṣa gave it to Pāṇini and the wise Bharadvāja. By reciting this mantra four hundred thousand times, its perfection is attained by the devotee. Now, O foremost of Brāhmins, listen to the sacred armor given by the Creator in ancient times. Bhṛgu, wishing for wisdom, addressed the Lord: "All-knowing, progenitor of all, worshipped by all worshippers, tell me, O Lord, the armor of Sarasvati that conquers the universe." Brahma replied, "This armor is the essence of the Vedas, delightful to hear, spoken of in the Vedas, and honored by them. It was spoken by Krishna to me in Goloka, in the forest of Vrindavana. It is exceedingly secret and supreme, like the wish-fulfilling tree. By taking and reciting it, Bṛhaspati became wise. By reciting and retaining it, the eloquent sage Valmiki became the foremost of poets. Kaṇāda, Gautama, Kaṇva, Pāṇini, and Śākaṭāyana, having received it, divided the Vedas and all the Purāṇas. Śātātapa, Saṃvarta, Vasiṣṭha, and Parāśara, along with Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, Bharadvāja, Astīka, and Devala, also received it. O foremost of Brāhmins, the seer of this armor is Prajāpati. It grants complete understanding of all principles and accomplishment of all aims." Then, the sacred armor is invoked: "Om hrīṃ sarasvatyai svāhā—may Sarasvati protect my head on all sides. Om, may Sarasvati protect my ears constantly, svaha. Om, hrim, may Vagvadini protect my nose in every way, svaha. Om, srim, hrim, may Brahmi always protect my row of teeth, svaha. Om, srim, hrim, may my neck be protected, and may Srim always protect my shoulders. Om, hrim, may Vidyasvarupini protect my navel, svaha. Om, may Sarvavarnatmika always protect my pair of feet." Thus, with these offerings, meditations, and sacred mantra, the worship of Sarasvati is performed, bestowing wisdom, eloquence, and auspiciousness upon all who seek her grace.