As parents, we look forward to that beautiful moment when our little ones begin their school journey. That tiny backpack, the first set of books, and those innocent eyes filled with curiosity. It’s truly emotional. In Hindu tradition, before we even step into a classroom, there is a beautiful ceremony that blesses this journey. It’s called Akshara Abhyasa (also known as Vidyarambham), and when performed at Sringeri Sharada Temple, it feels being blessed by divine.
What is Akshara Abhyasa?
Akshara Abhyasa literally means “the practice of letters.” It is a sacred Hindu ceremony where toddlers usually between 2 to 5 years are introduced to writing their very first letters. At Sringeri, this is done in front of Goddess Sharada (Saraswati), the divine embodiment of wisdom, music, and knowledge.
Spiritual Foundation: It is believed that invoking Goddess Sharada’s blessings paves the way for wisdom, discipline, and brilliance in a child’s education.
Cultural Roots: The ceremony connects children to centuries-old traditions and reinforces the importance of respecting knowledge. Just like we bless a new home or a new business, Akshara Abhyasa blesses the child’s educational journey with positivity and divine energy.
Instead of simply starting school, this ceremony reminds us that knowledge is divine and learning is not just about grades, but about values, humility, and blessings.
Why I Chose Sringeri for My Child’s Akshara Abhyasa
There are many temples where Akshara Abhyasa is performed, but Sringeri holds a special place. Established by Adi Shankaracharya centuries ago, this matha (monastery) is a living testimony to the power of knowledge and devotion.
When we entered the temple, I could feel the calmness, the sight of the goddess adorned in flowers, and the hum of faith around us. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was an unforgettable moment for our family.
How the Ceremony Happened 🙏
Booking the Ritual – The registration is done right at the temple counter, and the fee is just ₹500. What we appreciated most was that the temple provided everything right down to the slate and chalk. So we didn’t have to worry about carrying anything.
The process felt smooth, simple and stress-free, and the ritual itself took only 15–20 minutes. It was short, meaningful, and comfortable even for little ones, which made the experience extra special for us as parents.
Parent Tip: Try to reach the temple booking counter a little early in the day to avoid waiting. Carrying a toy for your child can also help keep them comfortable before the ritual begins.
Sacred Setting – My toddler sat on my lap right in front of Goddess Sharada’s idol glowing in radiance, in akshara abhyasa mantapa. The ceremony began by invoking Lord Ganapathi and seeking his blessings. As per priest’s instructions we helped our little one write Shri Gurubhyum Namath on a tray of rice with the help of turmeric stick and so on. That tiny hand struggling to write melted my heart. Later my son was made to sit on his father’s lap and guided to write the same letters on slate and chalk piece by his father.
Offerings – Flowers, coconut, saree, fruits, and sweets can be offered to the goddess.
Blessings and Prasad – After prayers we got to see aarti and received Prasad. We also took blessings from elephant that was standing outside. Felt very happy and blessed.
Prasada Meals at Sringeri Sharada Temple
At Sringeri Sharada Temple, devotees are offered free Anna Prasada meals daily as part of the temple’s sacred Anna Dana tradition. The food is sattvic and freshly prepared, typically rice, sambar, rasam, vegetable curry, chutney, buttermilk, and a sweet dish is served. Cooked without onion or garlic, the meals are simple, nourishing, and believed to carry the blessings of Goddess Sharada. Sharing prasada here is more than a meal — it’s a soulful experience of equality, devotion, and community.
Why This Ceremony Feels So Meaningful
As a mother and blogger, what touched me the most is how Akshara Abhyasa goes beyond academics. It’s a prayer that our child not only excels in studies but also grows with wisdom, compassion, and humility.
In today’s world, where education feels like a race, this ceremony was a grounding reminder that knowledge is sacred, and learning is a lifelong blessing.
Planning Your Visit to Sringeri
If you’re planning Akshara Abhyasa for your child, here are some tips:
Best Time: Popular days are Vasant Panchami, Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra), and Saraswati Puja. But it can be performed year-round. Dress Code: Wear traditional outfits—sarees, salwar, and dhotis or Panjhe for male to respect the temple’s sanctity.
Stay: Sringeri has many guest houses run by the math and nearby hotels. We chose to stay at Hosa Mane Farm Inn, located just a short 10-minute ride from the main temple. The stay was comfortable, with clean and decent rooms. Though a part of the property was under extension work, it did not affect our experience much.
The highlight for us was definitely the food. It was simple, homely, and delicious—exactly what you’d hope for in a calm spiritual town like Sringeri. While there wasn’t a vast variety, every dish had that fresh, home-cooked taste. One drink I absolutely loved was the Kashay ( herbal drink), which turned out to be my go-to comfort in the cool weather.
Meals were purely vegetarian and typically included chapatis, dal, a mixed vegetable curry, sambhar, paneer masala, and rice. During tea time, we enjoyed crispy onion bhajis along with tea, coffee, and yes, even French fries for a fun twist. Breakfast was wholesome and filling with pongal, idli, sambhar, and chutney. Breakfast was included in the booking.
Overall, Hosa Mane Farm Inn made our stay in Sringeri warm and memorable, a perfect base to soak in the spiritual and cultural charm of the temple town.
Since rooms are limited and extensions are still in progress, it’s best to book your stay well in advance, especially during festival seasons or auspicious occasions.
Travel Idea: If you are travelling by car like we did you can combine your trip with nearby scenic gems like Agumbe (known for sunsets) or Kudremukh hills for a family getaway.
Final Thoughts
As a mother and a blogger who loves blending traditions with modern life, I truly admire how Akshara Abhyasa bridges spirituality and education. Whether you’re a parent about to send your toddler to school or someone cherishing cultural practices, this ceremony is a heartwarming way to begin the journey of knowledge.
Watching my child take their very first step into learning in front of Goddess Sharada at Sringeri is a memory I’ll cherish forever. It wasn’t just about writing letters it was about giving my child the gift of blessings, culture, and values to carry for life.
If you’re a parent looking for a soulful way to begin your little one’s education, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Akshara Abhyasa at Sringeri. It’s not just a ritual but an emotion. From the serene temple atmosphere to the simple yet sacred rituals, everything felt deeply connected to Goddess Sharada’s blessings.
As education is not just about books, it’s about wisdom, values, and divine grace. 🌺
I hope you found my experience of Akshara Abhyasa at Sringeri Sharada Devasthan helpful and insightful. If you’re planning this sacred ceremony for your little one, may Goddess Sharada’s blessings guide your child’s journey of learning. ✨
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Love life & D&B!
Sayonara!
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