Vidyāraṃbhaṃ
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Practices
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Vidyarambham (Malayalam: വിദ്യാരംഭം) is a Hindu tradition where children between two and three years old are formally initiated into the characters of the syllabary.
The ceremony of Vidyarambham (Vidya means "knowledge" , arambham means "beginning') for the children is held on Vijayadashami (the last day of Navaratri) day. On that day thousands of people arrive at the temple to initiate learning to their children.
Initiation into the world of syllabary usually begins with the writing of the mantra "Om hari sri ganapataye namah"(ഓം ഹരി ശ്രീ ഗണപതയേ നമഃ) Hari(ഹരി) refers to the Lord, sri(ശ്രീ), to prosperity. Initially, the mantra is written on sand or in a tray of rice grains. Then, the master would write the mantra on the child's tongue with gold. Writing on sand denotes practice. Writing on grains denotes the acquisition of knowledge, which leads to prosperity. Writing on the tongue with gold invokes the grace of the Goddess of Learning, by which one attains the wealth of true knowledge. Nowadays it is celebrated by people across all castes and religions.
[edit] In Kerala
In the year 2010, this Hindu tradition of Vidyarambham was celebrated by Hindu Malayalees in a big way. It was also followed by the Christians and people belonging to other religions. Minor modifications like writing the name of "Jesus Christ" instead of Hindu Gods were incorporated. Many churches across Kerala followed and celebrated Vidyarambham in their premises.[1]
Initiation (or 'arambham' (ആരംഭം) is done by priests, renowned writers, celebrities etc. Temples are considered auspicious for this ritual. The most auspicious venue for the function, in Kerala, is considered to be the 'Thunchan parampu' (the abode of the Father of Malaylam, Thunchathu Ezhuthachan). Mookambika Temple is considered to be another great and holy venue for the function. Many great writers have got their initiation at Mookambika Temple.
[edit] References
- ^ The Hindu. Vidyarambham blurs religious borders'
[edit] External links
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