Mass Free Aksharabhyasam Held on Indrakeeladri
The ritual began at the auspicious muhurtham of 8.06 am, as determined by Vedic scholars
VIJAYAWADA: In a spiritually uplifting atmosphere marked by Vedic chants and traditional rituals, the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam on Indrakeeladri on Wednesday launched its grand Samoohika Uchita Aksharabhyasam (mass free initiation into learning) programme for children.
The sacred ceremony, organised to mark the formal beginning of education for young children, commenced under the direct supervision of Temple Trust Board chairman Borra Radhakrishna and executive officer V.K. Seena Nayak. Temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event without causing inconvenience to devotees.
The ritual began at the auspicious muhurtham of 8.06 am, as determined by Vedic scholars. The programme was conducted in accordance with traditional scriptures on the sixth floor of the Maha Mandapam atop Indrakeeladri. Under the guidance of temple Sthanacharya Shiv Prasad Sharma and deputy chief priest Kota Prasad, parents helped their children write their first letters, beginning with the sacred ‘Om’, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and the accompaniment of auspicious musical instruments.
A total of 250 children from across the state, who had registered online in advance, arrived at the venue along with their parents as early as 6 am. Temple staff carefully verified registration documents before allowing entry. To ensure discipline and avoid overcrowding, only the child and his or her parents were permitted into the designated hall, enabling the programme to proceed in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The Devasthanam provided writing slates, chalk pieces and all required puja materials free of cost to the participating children. After completing the rituals, the organisers arranged an exclusive queue for the children and their parents to receive special darshan of Goddess Kanaka Durga. Devotees also received the blessings of Vedic scholars and sacred temple prasadam after the darshan.
Parents expressed immense joy and devotion at having their children initiated into learning in the presence of Goddess Kanaka Durga, revered as the embodiment of Maha Saraswati. Seena Nayak thanked the priests, temple staff and devotees whose cooperation contributed to the success of the programme. Members of the trust board and temple employees also participated in the event.