Aksharabhyasam
Vidyarambham also referred to as Aksharabhyasam is a Hindu initiation ceremony that is performed before a child begins their formal education. This ritual is dedicated to the goddess of learning, Saraswathi. It is popularly observed mainly in Tamil Nadu, Koothanur Saraswathi Devi Temple. The ceremony of Vidyarambham derives its name from the Sanskrit terms Vidya meaning “knowledge”, and arambham, meaning “beginning”.
The ceremony is intended to introduce young children into the world of knowledge, letters, and the process of learning. After a child completes four years of age, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, the father or the instructor of the child chants and writes either the Panchaksharam or the Ashtaksharam mantra on whole wheat or grains of rice, piled on a banana leaf, placed in front of a puja. Holding the hand of the child, the father or the instructor traces the words of the mantra using the former’s finger. The alphabets of the child’s native language are then written on the grain. Following the completion of this ceremony, the child is admitted for their formal education at school.
Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Koothanur in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Mata Saraswathi, the Hindu goddess of education. She is also called as “VIDYA DEVI” and “VIDYA SARASWATHI”. Individual Temples dedicated to Saraswathi are rarely found in India. This is the only individual temple in Tamil Nadu with Saraswathi as the main deity. Other popular saraswathi devi temples are situated in basara and wargal at telangana state. Priests will recite the slokas in Tamil. Saraswathi puja and Vijayadasami are the main festivals celebrated in the temple.
Saraswathi Mata is the goddess of education, and those who suffer from memory lapse and dullness can visit and worship this holy mother at the Koothanur Saraswathi Mata Temple, in order to correct their defects.
Ancient poets used to worship this holy mother, and due to that, they have shined in their lives. Saraswati Mata is an aspect of Ma Shakti Devi, and worshipping her is similar to worshipping Ma Shakti.
Koothanur is the birthplace of the Tamil poet Ottakoothar.There is another reason for the name of this place which is King Rajaraja Cholan gifted this village for koothan’s poem because he is a great poet. So this village is called Koothan + oor =Koothanur.
In India, Koothanur became an important tourist spot. Vijayadhasami festival is celebrated in Koothanur which is one of the most important festivals in this temple. Before appearing the examinations or admission of schooling, the pupils are paid a visit and worship the learning goddess Maha Saraswathy for their success.
“JAI SRI AKSHARAVIDYA MATI NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R. HARISHANKAR