Saraswati is the Sakti, the power and consort of Brahma the creator. Hence she is the mother of the entire nation. She is considered as the personification of all knowledge -arts, science, crafts and skills. Hence she is depicted as pure white in colour. Clad in spotless white apparel and seated on a lotus seat, she holds in her four hands a Veena  (lute), Akshamala (rosary) and pustaka (book).

Though these are most common, there are several variations. Some of the other objects shown are: pasa (noose ) Ankusa (goad), padma (lotus) Trisula (trident) Sankha (conch) chakra (discus) and so on. 

Occasionally she is shown with five face or with eight hands. Even three eyes or blue neck are not uncommon. In this case she is the Mahasaraswati aspect of Durga or Parvati.

Though no separate carrier vehicle is mentioned Hamsa or Swan is usually associated with her.

Being the goddess of learning, it is proper that Saraswati is shown holding a book in her left hand.