The Celebration of Saraswati Day at Pura Jagatnatha Denpasar: Honoring the Goddess of Knowledge

Saraswati Day is one of the sacred celebrations for Hindus in Bali, observed every 210 days on Saniscara Umanis Wuku Watugunung. This year, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Hindus once again celebrated Saraswati with deep reverence. The celebration serves as an expression of gratitude to Goddess Saraswati for the gift of knowledge, arts, and wisdom, which are believed to be the guiding light of life.

The atmosphere of Hindu devotees praying at Pura Jagatnatha (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Since early morning, thousands of Hindus flocked to Pura Jagatnatha, located in the heart of Denpasar City. They brought banten (offerings), lit incense, and prayed accompanied by the sound of sacred bells, which heightened the solemn atmosphere. Not only the general public, but also students, teachers, and university members were present, as Saraswati is closely tied to education. On this day, Hindus also read lontar manuscripts and holy scriptures, as knowledge is believed to descend and be sanctified during Saraswati.

Offerings and ceremonial items of Saraswati Day (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The meaning of Saraswati is profoundly spiritual. The word “Saraswati” comes from saras meaning “spring” or “something that flows endlessly,” and wati meaning “to possess.” Thus, Saraswati means “she who possesses the ever-flowing stream of life and knowledge.” Goddess Saraswati is regarded as the goddess of knowledge and also as the goddess of rivers as the source of life. In Hindu belief, she is the consort of Lord Brahma, depicted as a beautiful woman with four hands.

Each sacred object held by Goddess Saraswati carries deep symbolism. The vina (musical instrument) represents harmony in art and culture as a path toward truth. The lotus bud symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, even while living in the world. The genitri (prayer beads) signifies unceasing devotion and remembrance of God. The scriptures (cakepan) symbolize eternal and sacred knowledge. In addition, the swan symbolizes wisdom and the ability to distinguish good from bad, while the peacock represents beauty and the grandeur of knowledge. These symbols remind devotees that knowledge is not merely for worldly intelligence, but must be sanctified and used for the greater good.

Outer view of Pura Jagatnatha, Denpasar (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Pura Jagatnatha was chosen as the center of the celebration because it is a grand temple dedicated to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty). With its towering Padmasana shrine, the temple stands as a symbol of God’s greatness and sanctity. On Saraswati Day, September 6, 2025, the temple was filled with thousands of devotees from various backgrounds, all coming with pure devotion to offer prayers.

The celebration unfolded with deep solemnity despite the crowd. Hindus participated in a series of rituals with great devotion, including presenting offerings, reading lontar manuscripts, and praying together in the temple courtyard. All these practices are carried out as an expression of gratitude for the descent of sacred knowledge, believed to be the divine light and source of life.

The celebration of Saraswati at Pura Jagatnatha serves as a reminder that knowledge is not merely a worldly tool, but a divine blessing that must be respected, sanctified, and used for the greater good of humanity.