Question

What is the connection between saraswathi and parrots?

Answer 1

Upanishads are the highest philosophical treatise in Hinduism. One of the 18 main Upanishads is Taitriya Upanishad. Thiththi and Thaththai are words for parrot in Sanskrit and Tamil. The story of Taitriya Upanishad is interesting. Yagnavalkya’s teacher was offended and asked him to return the Veda. He “vomited it and the parrots ate it”. Even a child can understand the symbolic story. When Yagnavalkya’s Guru asked him not to repeat it, he gave it to his disciples (What he threw out was taken/eaten by others).

Once again this story proves the significance of parrots in Vedas and Gods hands/shoulders. The message is, repetition of good things, is essential. Taitriya Upanishad is a beautiful Upanishad with instructions for students, saints as well as laymen. Be a parrot and repeat God’s names or good principles!