Saraswatti (tib. Yangehenma) is the goddess of
music, art, and learning. Adapted from the Hindu pantheon, Saraswatti is an
extremely popular goddess among those whose interests lie in the arts. She is found
all over in both Tibet and Nepal, and as tradition has it in Nepal, her shrines are
visited by all the schoolchildren in the hope that she will help them with their exams and
other studies. She is distinguished by the lute or vina that she holds playing
divine music. Her other symbol that she is often recognized by is the swan on which
she rides. A very beautiful goddess, Saraswatti embodies the finer cultural aspects
of Buddhist life.
