Aksharabhyasam in Hinduism is a ceremony in which
children are initiated into the world of letters and learning. The ritual is
usually performed when the child reaches three years old. It is usually
performed in a temple.
Akshar means letter and Abhyas means learning.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Aksharabhyasam ceremony is performed
by the maternal uncle (Mother’s brother) along with the family keeping the
child in his lap. At the end he will hold the child’s right hand forefinger and
write the Om symbol which is treated as a Beeja akshar (Beeja in
Sanskrit means the ‘Origin’).
In Kerala, the ceremony is performed by grandfather or
father or by a prominent personality.
The child writes ‘Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah’ in a plate filled with
uncooked rice.
Vasant Panchami and Navratri are considered highly
auspicious for performing the ritual.
Kollur Mookambika in Karnataka, Panchikadu Saraswati
Temple near Kottayam in Kerala and Basara Gnana Saraswati Temple in Telangana
are some of the most important temples where children are initiated into the world
of learning.