Why does saraswati carry a mala?

Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and arts, carries a mala (rosary) as a symbol of the importance of spiritual practice and the pursuit of wisdom. The mala represents the process of meditation and the recitation of mantras, which are essential for attaining enlightenment and self-realization. By holding the mala, Saraswati emphasizes the value of discipline, focus, and the continuous quest for knowledge and truth.