Om Jai Saraswati Mata
ॐ जय सरस्वती माता
What is Om Jai Saraswati Mata?
Om Jai Saraswati Mata Om Jai Saraswati Mata is the traditional Hindi aarti sung in praise of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, learning, music and speech, offered as a lamp is circled before her image during worship, especially on Vasant Panchami.
This aarti is the closing hymn most families reach for when they set a lamp before Goddess Saraswati. Its seven short verses sketch her whole picture in order: her moon-like face and lotus seat, the veena resting on her arm, the swan she rides, and the request every student and musician quietly makes of her, that ignorance lift and understanding take its place. The Roman transliteration below lets you follow along even if you do not read Devanagari, and each verse carries an original line explaining what it says. People sing it at the end of Saraswati puja, on Vasant Panchami when new books and instruments are placed at her feet, and in many homes as part of a plain morning routine before study or practice begins.
Om Jai Saraswati Mata Lyrics
Roman transliteration for easy chanting. Tap “Meaning” under any verse for the English translation.
Refrain
Om Jai Saraswati Mata,
Maiya Jai Saraswati Mata.
Sadgun Vaibhav Shalini,
Tribhuvan Vikhyata.
Meaning
She is described as full of noble qualities and radiant grace, her name known across the three worlds of earth, sky and the heavens.
Chandravadani Padmasini,
Dyuti Mangalkari.
Sohe Shubh Hans Sawari,
Atul Tejdhari.
Meaning
Her face is calm as the moon and she is seated on a lotus, her glow bringing good fortune. She looks graceful upon her swan, holding a brilliance no measure can match.
Bayen Kar Mein Veena,
Dayen Kar Mala.
Sheesh Mukut Mani Sohe,
Gal Motiyan Mala.
Meaning
The veena rests in her left hand and a rosary in her right, marking her as both the source of music and the guide of steady practice. A jewelled crown sits on her head and a string of pearls at her throat.
Devi Sharan Jo Aaye,
Unaka Uddhar Kiya.
Paithi Manthara Dasi,
Ravan Sanhar Kiya.
Meaning
Whoever comes to the goddess for shelter, she lifts and rescues them. The verse recalls how, working unseen through the maid Manthara, she set in motion the chain of events that led to Ravana's downfall.
Vidya Gyan Pradayini,
Gyan Prakash Bharo.
Moh Agyan Aur Timir Ka,
Jag Se Naash Karo.
Meaning
As the giver of learning and wisdom, she is asked to fill the singer with the light of knowledge, and to clear away attachment, ignorance and the darkness that clouds the world.
Dhoop Deep Phal Meva,
Maa Svikar Karo.
Gyanchakshu De Mata,
Jag Nistar Karo.
Meaning
The worshipper offers incense, the lamp, fruit and nuts and asks the mother to accept them. In return the singer prays for the inner eye of understanding and for the world to be carried safely across its troubles.
Maa Saraswati Ki Aarti,
Jo Koi Jan Gave.
Hitakari Sukhakari,
Gyan Bhakti Pave.
Meaning
The closing verse promises that anyone who sings this aarti of Mother Saraswati finds it beneficial and comforting, and comes away with both knowledge and devotion.
Meaning & Significance
The aarti works as a short guided darshan. It opens by naming the goddess and calling her victorious, then moves the eye across her form, her moon-calm face, the lotus she sits on, the veena in one hand and the rosary in the other, the crown and the pearls, and the swan that carries her. Placing the veena and the mala together is deliberate: she is at once the wellspring of music and creativity and the patron of disciplined, repeated study.
From description the hymn turns to request. The fifth and sixth verses are the heart of it, asking Saraswati to pour in the light of learning, to end the fog of ignorance and delusion, and to grant the inner eye that lets a person see clearly. The single narrative reference, to the maid Manthara and the fall of Ravana, is the poet’s way of saying the goddess of speech and wisdom quietly shapes even the great turns of the Ramayana. The final verse states the reward plainly, that whoever sings it gains knowledge, devotion and ease, which is why it closes almost every Saraswati puja.
How Do You Perform the Aarti?
- Prepare the space — Place an image or idol of Saraswati facing you, ideally to the east or north, and keep a ghee or oil lamp, incense, and a small plate of fruit ready. On Vasant Panchami many people also set out books, pens or an instrument to be blessed.
- Light the lamp and incense — Light the diya and the dhoop first, since the aarti is the moment the flame is offered. Wearing something clean and sitting calmly for a few breaths helps you sing without rushing.
- Sing the aarti — Begin with the refrain, then sing each of the seven verses, returning to Om Jai Saraswati Mata after every one. Move the lamp gently in slow clockwise circles before the image as you sing.
- Offer and conclude — At the sixth verse, when incense, lamp, fruit and nuts are named, present those offerings. Close by singing the final verse, then pass your palms over the flame and touch them to your eyes and forehead.
What Are the Benefits of Singing This Aarti?
Singing Om Jai Saraswati Mata is a simple, steadying practice. People return to it for reasons that are practical as much as devotional:
- Focus before study or work: Many students and professionals sing it before exams, auditions or a demanding day to settle the mind and set an intention to learn.
- Central to Vasant Panchami: It is the standard aarti when new books, pens and instruments are placed at the goddess's feet on her festival day.
- A short daily ritual: At seven verses it fits an ordinary morning routine, giving a fixed, calming start without taking much time.
- Easy for beginners: The repeating refrain and the Roman transliteration make it approachable even for those who do not read Devanagari or attend puja regularly.
- Blessing of arts and music: Because Saraswati governs speech, music and creativity, singers, writers and performers offer it before practice and performance.
Who Wrote This Aarti?
Like most aartis in the popular Om Jai… family, this one is traditional and its authorship is not recorded. It follows the same metre and refrain pattern as the well-known Om Jai Jagdish Hare, which suggests it was composed to be sung to the same familiar tune so congregations could pick it up at once. It has circulated for generations through puja booklets, temple gatherings and family worship, and the wording is stable across the common printed versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Om Jai Saraswati Mata?
Om Jai Saraswati Mata is the traditional Hindi aarti sung in praise of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, learning, music and speech, offered as a lamp is circled before her image during worship, especially on Vasant Panchami.
When is the Saraswati aarti sung?
It is sung at the end of Saraswati puja and is especially associated with Vasant Panchami, the goddess's festival day. Many people also sing it as part of a daily morning routine before beginning study or practice.
Who wrote Om Jai Saraswati Mata?
The aarti is traditional and its author is not recorded. It shares its metre and refrain with Om Jai Jagdish Hare, so it is sung to the same familiar tune and has been passed down through puja booklets and family worship.
How many verses does the aarti have?
It has an opening refrain followed by seven short verses, or antaras, with the refrain Om Jai Saraswati Mata returning after each one.
Why does Saraswati hold a veena and a rosary?
The veena in her hand marks her as the source of music and creativity, while the rosary, or mala, represents disciplined, repeated study and meditation, together showing that inspiration and steady practice both come from her.
॥ बोलो सरस्वती माता की जय ॥