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Picture frames, especially the one in Diwali, Lord Ganesha is shown with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi.
Why is that so? I know the story of Lakshmi adopting Ganesha as his son from Parvati.
So that make sense for Lakshmi portrayed with Ganesh but why Goddess Saraswati is also portrayed with them?
I belong to Smarta family.
Till photography became popular in India in Mid 19th century and selling of photos/colour paintings of Gods had become a commercial business, idols of Gods were used to be worshipped.
Way back in late 1980s, when I was still in early twenties, I had observed in houses of our relatives and family friends, people of old generation,ie., of 1900 - 1950s, used to keep picture of female TRINITY, i. e., Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati in a single picture, in their houses.
This devotion to female TRINITY is prevalent in the families, who are regular reciters of Devi Mahatmya or Durga Saptasathi. In Durga Saptasathi, which is a part of Devi Bhagavatam, Devi has been eulogised as the eliminator of Mahishasura, Chanda, Munda, Nishumha, Raktabhija, Shumba, etc. Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga will be eulogised while reciting certain chapters.
I don't want to quote folklore like this of adoring Lakshmi and Ganapati together.
Certain people, especially from business community, might have popularised the image of Lakshmi, Ganapati and Saraswati, removing Parvati, as they are more interested in getting obstacles removed while doing business. As Ganapati is the son of Parvati, the latter might have been removed.
In some families, Ganapati will be worshipped even before doing Saraswati puja for children.
Hindu rituals make it mandatory for Ganesha to be worshiped before the start of any Pooja. Hence, Ganesha is a part of the frame. Also, Ganesha is generally considered as the Lord of wealth and the bestower of knowledge.
In Diwali we celebrate and workship wealth. But true wealth comes only when a person has knowledge or talent . Its said Lakshmi finds the home of the learned only. Since Saraswati is the goddess of books and music (talent), even she is worshiped with Ganesha.
You'll like to read about Devdutt Pattanaik's blogs. He explains all these questions very well.
Here is the link to his website: http://devdutt.com/
Lakshmi means "Bliss" and it shows by symbol of "Lotus". Which is the centre of our mind/brain. So if we want "Blissful" we have to awake and open the "Lotus" by Dhayn and Karma.
Saraswati represent Right part of mind/brain by this portion all "Abstract Arts" work. We call it "Gyan" or "Knowing".
Ganesh represent Left part of mind/brain by this portion all "Practical Arts" work. We call it "Vigyan" or "doing.
So when proper Knowing and proper doing works together called "Yog" and it creates the "Bliss". That we must need to worship Saraswati and Ganesha together for actual worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
