Saraswati, or Sarasvati, is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, art, music, learning and wisdom. Her name is derived from the Sanskrit sara, meaning “essence,” and sva, meaning “one’s self.” She is also associated with flowing water.

Within yoga, Saraswati is seen as being a powerful aid to a deeper form of meditation. Feeling her presence is said to encourage greater insight and creativity while also boosting levels of intuition.

Saraswati is typically shown as a beautiful woman wearing white, sitting on a lotus and with four arms. In many images, she is pictured with a musical instrument, swans and/or peacocks.

Also known as The Flowing One, Saraswati yoga is regarded as a “flowing” form of yoga that changes form and can vary in duration depending on the evolving feelings of the practitioner.

Invoking Saraswati during a meditative yoga practice encourages intuitive understanding of what feels “right” as well as learning to trust one’s instincts. Chanting a Saraswati mantra while sitting in a comfortable posture can also help deepen this meditation practice.