Today, Bengal venerates the goddess of Vidya, Devi Saraswati, in a grand celebration of wisdom, art, and learning. It is remarkable to reflect that at one point, the entire ancient world had its own deities dedicated to knowledge and wisdom. Ancient India was a beacon of knowledge and science, much like its Western counterparts. Among the many disciplines pursued in the ancient world were warfare, art, science, and philosophy—all aspects of human learning. Acquiring knowledge, applying it appropriately, and passing it on to future generations was paramount. It is only natural that civilizations entrusted divine figures with the role of safeguarding knowledge and wisdom.
Let us explore the ancient civilizations that worshipped deities of wisdom and learning, recognizing their profound significance in shaping human progress.
Devi Saraswati: The Eternal Goddess of Knowledge
Today, we particularly honor Devi Saraswati, one of the most ancient and revered goddesses of the Indian subcontinent. She finds mention in the Vedas, even before their compilation, symbolizing both the riverine and intellectual currents of Indian civilization. Saraswati represents wisdom, music, science, and learning. For over 5,000 years, Saraswati Puja has been a tradition that endures, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in human civilization.
However, she was not the only goddess of wisdom. Across various cultures, other civilizations worshipped deities who bore striking resemblances to Saraswati, though many of these traditions faded due to cultural shifts and invasions.
Nisaba: The Sumerian Goddess of Wisdom
Nisaba was the goddess of wisdom in ancient Mesopotamian civilization. She was a deity of both knowledge and grain, indicating a deep connection between sustenance and education. Nisaba was responsible for writing, accounting, and scholarly pursuits, much like Saraswati. This dual association mirrors the Indian tradition where Saraswati and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) are interconnected.
Athena: The Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare
No discussion of ancient civilizations is complete without mentioning Greek culture. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, law, mathematics, and the arts, was one of the most revered deities in Greece. The owl, a symbol of wisdom and intelligence, was closely associated with Athena, much like Saraswati’s association with the swan or peacock. Athena’s role in shaping Greek philosophy, governance, and military strategy places her among the most celebrated goddesses of intellect and power.
Minerva: The Roman Counterpart to Athena
Following Greek civilization, the Romans honored Minerva as the goddess of knowledge, art, and culture. She bore a striking resemblance to Athena and was also linked to wisdom, strategy, and learning. Just as Saraswati is sometimes depicted in the context of battle, Minerva was considered a goddess who wielded both intellect and warlike strength.
Anahita: The Persian Goddess of Water and Wisdom
In ancient Persia, Anahita was revered as the goddess of water, fertility, and wisdom. However, it was the goddess Disapproval (Anahita in another form) who bore similarities to Durga, as she was often depicted wielding weapons and symbolizing strength and wisdom combined. She represents the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, much like the Indian tradition where wisdom leads to enlightenment and liberation.
Kamrusepa: The Goddess of Knowledge in the Hittite Civilization
In the Hittite civilization, Kamrusepa was worshipped as the goddess of knowledge and healing. Some scholars believe she had connections to the development of Hittite script and literacy, much like Saraswati’s role in shaping the Sanskrit tradition and education in ancient India.
Benzaiten: The Japanese Form of Saraswati
With the spread of Buddhism, Saraswati’s influence traveled to Japan, where she became known as Benzaiten. Between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, she was worshipped as a deity of wisdom, music, and knowledge. Even today, she holds a revered place in certain Buddhist sects in Japan, demonstrating the enduring influence of the Indian goddess beyond her homeland.
The Legacy of Knowledge and Worship
It is disheartening when a civilization loses touch with its own heritage. However, it is a matter of immense pride that Bengal continues to uphold its tradition of worshipping Devi Saraswati, ensuring the survival of an ancient custom that venerates learning and wisdom.
Some may question why education should be linked to religious worship. They overlook the fact that knowledge has always been sacred in human history, and civilizations worldwide have turned to divine figures to protect and nurture it. Saraswati, unlike many other deities, has withstood the test of time, surviving countless aggressions and cultural shifts for over 5,000 years.
To those who dismiss her as a mere “Hindu goddess,” let it be known that her influence extends beyond religion—she symbolizes intellectual pursuit, creativity, and enlightenment. To those who reject the cultural roots that have nurtured learning for millennia, we say this: knowledge is not bound by narrow ideologies. Saraswati’s presence in Bengal today is a testament to the resilience of our culture and its unwavering commitment to wisdom and education.
The world has worshipped knowledge for ages, and Bengal still carries that torch with pride. It is not merely about tradition—it is about honoring the very essence of civilization itself.
খুব ভালো একটা প্রবন্ধ।