Sringeri- Enroute To Divinity:
On April 24th, I embarked on a momentous journey with my daughter Hanusri Yamujala to Sringeri, a holy town nestled in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Our purpose? To witness her Akshara Abhyasa, the sacred initiation into the world of letters, at the revered Sringeri Sharada Peetham. the journey to the place was really mesmerising as the twists and turns through the coffee plantation were absolutely refreshing.
Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Abode of Knowledge
Sringeri Sharada Peetham, also known as Dakshinamnaya Sharada Peetham, is one of the four cardinal Peethams established by the legendary Adi Shankara, the 8th-century philosopher and proponent of Advaita Vedanta. Revered as a Shakti Peetha, it’s believed to be where the right foot of Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell.
Vidyashankara Temple
The Peetham is a vibrant center of learning, preserving and disseminating Santana Dharma and Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It has one of the oldest shiva temple of the country, which is carved out with finesse portraying the Shiva purana and vishnu purana all over the temple walls. The lingam that Adi Shankaracharya placed was inside the main sanctum, which is being prayed on even today. The architecture of this temple portrays the excellence of the carvers from 8th century. It is said that here Shankaraacharya got his enlightenment of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankaracharya’s lineage disciples have kept this place as the centre of their abode and the current disciple Sri Vidushekhara Bharati resides there. We had the holy opportunity in meeting him and getting his blessings for our daughter.
Sharadamba (Saraswati) Temple:
The Sharadamba temple (Goddess Saraswati) was right next to the Shiva temple and inside was the small, smiling idol of Goddess Saraswathi. Adorned in jewels, kireetam (crown) and veena in her hand, she blesses every child and divotee with divinity and knowledge.
Akshara Abhyasa: A Legacy Of Learning
The ceremony of Akshara Abhyasa, also known as Vidyarambha, is a beautiful tradition that marks the commencement of a child’s formal education. It’s believed that Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning, blesses the child during this ceremony.
A Timeless Tradition For The Modern World
In today’s fast-paced digital age, where learning often begins with screens, Akshara Abhyasa serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of traditional methods. The ceremony fosters a sense of reverence for knowledge and connects the child to a rich cultural heritage. The focus on writing by hand not only improves motor skills but also cultivates focus and patience—qualities essential for academic success.
The Ritual Unfolded
At the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, we were fortunate to witness a truly special Akshara Abhyasa. The ritual started at 9:30 AM and my daughter, all dressed up, sat facing the sacred murti (idol) of Sharadamba along with many other parents and their children, a manifestation of Saraswati. A pandit (priest) chanted mantras, invoking the blessings of Saraswati. My daughter sat in her father’s lap and mine as we symbolised the first learning school for the child and wrote her first letters on a slate—a symbolic act marking the beginning of her educational journey.
Staying At Sringeri
If you want to stay for a few days or if you are at the place a day prior, you can have the accommodation that is provided and made for the devotees who come to Sringeri. There is no need to book in advance, as you can pay and rent a room then and there. Every tourist complex has its own policies and charges. The amenities provided are clean and is good enough for one family to stay.
A Divine Connection
More importantly, Akshara Abhyasa underscores the divine connection inherent in the learning process. By seeking blessings from Saraswati, we acknowledge that education is not merely about acquiring information but a path towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Following Footsteps: Building a Foundation
Witnessing my daughter’s Akshara Abhyasa at Sringeri Sharada Peetham was a truly enriching experience. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring traditions while embracing the future. As we embark on this educational journey together, I hope to instill in her a love for learning, a respect for our heritage, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge—all seeded in the sacred rite of Akshara Abhyasa.
