This prayer is chanted before beginning a class or at the beginning of one’s studies so that all learning may resolve in knowledge alone. It is addresses to Goddess Saraswathi/sarasvati, who symbolizes all forms of knowledge, including the knowledge of the performing arts. Knowledge is a fundamental pursuit of human life, and a life of study and learning provides nourishment and discipline to the human intellect. In the Vedic culture, study is considered one’s duty.