Traditional Tantric/Puranic bija mantra

Om, let us come to know the Goddess of Speech; let us meditate on the giver of fulfillment; may that Goddess illumine our understanding.

She who is white as jasmine, moonlight, snow, and a pearl garland, robed in pure white, holding the graceful staff of the veena, seated on a white lotus, ever worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the other gods — may that radiant goddess Saraswati, destroyer of all dullness, protect me.

Endowed with four arms, she holds a rosary of crystal-like beads, a white lotus in one hand, and in another a parrot and a book.

Salutations to you, O Saraswati, giver of boons and fulfiller of wishes. I begin my studies; may I always attain success.