Which of these is a synonym for 'Saraswati'?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

The name 'Mahashweta' is a Sanskrit term meaning 'The Great White One' ('Maha' = Great, 'Shweta' = White).
This name is a direct reference to Goddess Saraswati's iconography, where she is consistently depicted in white attire, on a white lotus, with a white swan.
The color white in this context symbolizes purity, peace, and the unadulterated pursuit of knowledge, which are the core domains of Saraswati.

Option A: Padma means 'lotus' and is a primary epithet for Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, not Saraswati.
Option B: Vibhavari means 'night' or 'starry night' and has no direct association with Goddess Saraswati.
Option D: Pramada is a general term for a 'young woman' or 'joy' and is not a specific name used to refer to Goddess Saraswati.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonyms of Hindu Deities as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a non-nursing question and has no direct clinical relevance.
However, in holistic nursing care, understanding a patient's cultural and religious background, including the symbolism of deities like Saraswati, can foster trust and respectful communication.
What if a patient mentions a prayer to 'Sharada' for their child's exams? A culturally competent nurse would understand this refers to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, and can engage with the family more empathetically.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key subject of the question, which is 'Saraswati'.
Recall the primary attributes and visual symbols associated with Goddess Saraswati. The most prominent feature is her association with the color white (white clothes, white lotus, white swan), symbolizing purity and knowledge.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge.
Analyze 'Mahashweta'. Breaking it down ('Maha' + 'Shweta') reveals its meaning as 'Great White One', which is a perfect match for Saraswati's iconography.
Eliminate the other options by identifying their correct meanings: 'Padma' is for Lakshmi, and 'Vibhavari' and 'Pramada' are general terms not used for Saraswati.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full UPPSC-2021

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