SEVENTH DAY OF NAVARATRI MAHA SARASWATI

Saptami the seventh day of navaratri Kanaka Durga Devi appears as Sri Maha Saraswathi. Seventh day is Moola Nakshatram which is the maa Saraswathi s nakshatram (astrological star). She is the goddess of knowledge and music and arts, and also she regarded as Vagdevi Goddess of sound, speech, consciousness and wisdom. Maa Saraswathi appears with white dress, seated on white lotus and with four hands in one hand holding a book, in one hand playing veena (a musical instrument) in one hand japa mala(rosary) this representing the power of meditation and spirituality and in the other hand Kamandalam(A pot with sacred water)representing creative and purificatory powers. Saraswath Devi is also referred as Sharda Devi. A white swan is her vahanam (vehicle) so that she is known as Hamsa vahini. On this navaratri seventh day especially Saraswathi devi is worshipped and all students are traditionally required to study on this day and also start study of something new on the same day. Small children under 5 year's starts to write there first alphabet which is called Vidyarambham is take part today. Gurus (teachers) are worshipped to day as embodiments of Saraswathi. Offering honey is very important in Saraswathi pooja, as honey represents perfect knowledge. You can offer any sweet like Payasam,
                                                                         

And here is the SARASWATHI VANDANA MANTRA
YAA KUNDENDHU TUSHAARA HAARADHAVALAA, YAA SHUBHRAVASTRAAVRITHA
YAA VEENAVARA DANDAMANDITAKARA, YAA SHWETHA PADMAASANA
YAA BRAHMAACHYUTHA SHANKARA PRABHUTIBHIR DEVAIUSADAA VANDITHA
SAA MAAM PAATU SARASWATEE BHAGAVATEE NIHSHESHA JAADYAAOAHAA
MEANING:---
May goddess saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arms rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.
Check the recipe for Payasam here. and Godhuma payasam here