Sarasvati in the Yajur-Veda and the Atharva-Veda

Sarasvati features prominently in the Yajur-Veda (YV) where we find liturgical formulas used by the priests for performing different rituals. It has come down to us in two principal texts, Shukla (White) YV, also called Vajasaneyi Samhita and four Krishna (Black) YV texts, one of which is Taittiriya Samhita. As a goddess, Sarasvati assumes several identities in the YV. She is described as a &s;milch cow&s; yielding medicine for Asvins and Indra, as a bestower of manly vigour and as a healer and a physician. In the Atharva-Veda (AV), this chapter discern a certain enhancement in the role of Sarasvati and a further confirmation of her goddess-like attributes. Sarasvati&s;s transformation as a goddess is clearly evident in one of the hymns where her many attributes are projected. She is also invoked for various other blessings in the AV. Her water is described as the nursing mother of mankind, a life-giver and protector of man.