Question: In the Krishna Book chapter 53 (Krishna kidnaps Rukmini) it says “Goddess Durga has four famous children: 2 daughters Goddess Laksmi & Goddess Saraswati and 2 sons Lord Ganesha, Lord Karttikeya”. I know about Lord Ganesha & Lord Karttikeya being Goddess Parvati’s sons. I am not sure about Goddess Laksmi & Goddess Saraswati being Goddess Parvati/Goddess Durga’s children. Please explain.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Nothing I am familiar with is mentioned within the writings of our acaryas about either Saraswati’s or Lakshsmi’s position as Durga’s daughter. Saraswati is commonly mentioned in the scriptures to be an empowered jiva (just like Brahma).
It is also possible that some manifestation of Saraswati exists who is as a dull reflection of a higher spiritual form, just as Maya devi is an abasa or shadow manifestation of Rama devi, the consort of Maha Vishnu.
Remember: In Brahma Samhita verse 24, Lord Brahma receives gayatri from the spiritual Sarasvati, who is the “divine consort of the Supreme Lord”. This “prototype Saraswati” is an expansion of the Supreme Goddess of Fortune, ultimately Radharani.
