Goddess Sharda is one among the numerous names of Goddess
Saraswati. In this form she is the fountainhead of Knowledge. There is an
interesting symbolic story associated with Goddess Sharda.
Legend has it that Shiva once opened his third eye and a
terrible fire, Vadavagni, appeared from it. It threatened to destroy the
universe.
There was huge panic all around. Goddess Saraswati remained
calm. When Devas wanted to know how she can sit calmly when Vadavagni is
burning the earth. She said that Shiva’s fire only burns those that are
Adharmic – the corrupt and evil.
Saraswati Maa then took the form of a river and carried the
Vadavagni into the ocean. She told that it will remain in the ocean till the
time there are people on earth who follow Dharma. It will come out of ocean and
destroy the world when there is no Dharma left on earth.
The saints who witnessed this event called Her, Goddess
Sharda, the goddess who removes darkness of ignorance and ushers in light of
knowledge.