Today is Vidyarambam
Initiation into the world of learning

Saraswathi Namastubhyam

Varade Kamarupini

Vidyarambam Karishyami

Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada

"O Goddess Saraswathi; salutations to you, the giver of boons, the one who fulfills desires. I shall begin my studies. May there always be accomplishment for me".

This prayer is chanted so that all learning resolves in knowledge alone. Knowledge is a fundamental right of human life and it provides nourishment and discipline to the human intellect. In the Vedic culture, study is ordained as one's duty.

The word "Vidyarambam" originates from Sanskrit language and it carries the meaning "the beginning of literacy" or "acquiring of knowledge". In Malayalam it is known as "Ezhuthinu Iruthu”.

In general, on the tenth day of Navarathri, on the Vijayadashami day, after an elaborate puja to Goddess Saraswathi, the books which have been kept covered in a pink or red silk cloth on a peetam, on the evening of the Ashtami day, are removed from the pedestal, and the Puja is broken which marks the beginning of learning for children.

At the auspicious moment, the eldest male member of the family keeps his son or grand son or daughter or grand daughter on his lap, and initiates them into the world of learning and acquiring of knowledge.

Initiation into this wonderful world of learning usually begins with the writing of the mantra "Om Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah" on the tongue of the child with a golden ring. Hari refers to the Lord, and Sri, to prosperity. This mantra is then written on a silver tray of rice grains with the right index finger of the child, held firmly by the elder. The ceremony of Vidyarambam underlines the power of knowledge. Children in the age group 3-5 are made to participate in the ceremony.

The symbolism behind this Vidyarambam ceremony is: "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". The Vijayadasami day signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.