ABSTRACT
Several hymns of the RV and the post-Rig-Vedic texts bear testimony to Sarasvati's presence. The Rig-Vedic hymns, in particular, highlight her close association with both male and female divinities. Among the female divinities, Ila and Bharati are regarded as being the closest to Sarasvati. They both are sacrificial goddesses and their names often occur together with Sarasvati in Vedic texts. Ila, a close associate of Sarasvati, bears several manifestations in the Vedic and the Puranic literature. Ila also referred to as Ida in the Vedic literature, is described as butter-handed and butter-footed, and as the one whose foot drips oil. Bharati, another sacrificial goddess is closely associated with Sarasvati. Bharati carries another name, Mahi, which means 'great', 'vast' or 'large'. She is invariably found together with Ila and Sarasvati on sacrificial occasions as they are invited to resume their seats before the start of the rituals.
