Goddess Saraswati without veena

Why in News?

The veena, today regarded as inseparable from Saraswati’s identity, appears to have emerged as her dominant symbol only in the later period.

The Pala Dynasty Saraswati

• Location - Goddess Saraswati is notably observed without the veena (Musical instrument) at the Arthamandapam of the Brihadiswara Temple, Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Origin - Brought to Tamil Nadu by Rajendra Chola I as a war trophy following his famous military campaign to the Ganges (North India/Pala Empire). 
• Unique Iconography - Seated in padmasana with 4 arms holding the suvadi (manuscript) in one hand and the akka mala (rudraksha rosary) in another.
• The remaining 2 hands hold an ankusha (goad) and a pasha (noose).

• She wears a crown, kundalams in her ears and ornaments on her neck, chest, shoulders, arms and legs.
• She is entirely different from the Saraswati images sculpted in Tamil Nadu and represents the north Indian style.

The Chola Gnanasaraswati

• Location - Carved on the outer walls near the steps leading to the Arthamandapam of Brihadiswara Temple.
• It is indigenous Chola craftsmanship.
• Unique Iconography - She is seated on a lotus with her hair arranged in an elaborate jata makuta.
• She is richly adorned with necklaces, shoulder ornaments, bangles and makara kundalams.
• Instead of a veena, she holds a suvadi in one hand and an akka mala in another, underscoring her identity as the embodiment of learning and spiritual wisdom.
• Of the remaining two hands, one carries a kundigai (kamandalu), while the other is shown in tarjani mudra—a rare and striking gesture in Saraswati iconography.

Veena-less Temples in Tamil Nadu

• • Koothanur (Maha Saraswathi Temple).
  • Darasuram (Airavatesvara Temple).
  • Thanjavur (Brihadisvara Temple & Palace Complex).
  • Kanchipuram (Kailasanathar Temple).
  • Tiruvalanchuzhi (Sadaiva Muktheeswarar Temple).

Reference

The Hindu | Saraswati without veena