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In the Agni-Purānas, Sarasvati is described as a two-armed goddess. Here she is illustrated as a viņādhāriai and is known as puşti, the sakti of vişnu. This is rather
interesting as Sarasvati is usually shown holding a vina with
her two hands and touching the cords of the instrument. So
pusti may here be taken as variant of Sarasvati.
According to Brahma-Vaivarta Purāna' in her two
armed icons, Sarasvati should have vina and pustaka in her
hands.
In the brimad Devibhāgavatam," Sarasvati, the
goddess of learning holds a vinā and a book in her two hands.
Her colour is white and defeats even the eight of the crores
of moon.
The Silparatna, 4 a silpa text of 16 th century A.D.,
describes vāgisvarí as white complexioned and is having crescent on her fore head. She is seated on white lotus.
The deity holds a pen and a book in her both the hancs.
In another instance in silparatna, she is said to
have hold ankusa in one hand and the other have a book. She
is three-eyed and has ardhachandra on her head. She is of
white colour and wears necklace made of 'aksha sutra'.'
Sarasvati having four-arms, is noticed in various
Puranas.
The Vişnudharmottarao Purāņa (7th century A.D.) states that the goddess Sarasvati should be represented with