TTD Launches Akshara Govindam, Annaprasana at Vakulamatha Temple
TTD chairman said Aksharabhyasam and Annaprasana are important landmarks in a child’s life
TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Friday launched the Akshara Govindam and Annaprasana programme at the Sri Vakulamatha Temple in Peruru near Tirupati.
The two programmes are for children to initiate their educational journey and early life rituals in the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Vakulamatha.
TTD chairman B.R. Naidu and executive officer M. Ravichandra formally inaugurated the programme of the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad amid Vedic chants. They blessed the children who participated in the rituals.
Speaking on the occasion, the TTD chairman said Aksharabhyasam and Annaprasana are important landmarks in a child’s life. He said the programme has been introduced with the belief that beginning education by writing the name of “Govinda” would bring divine blessings and success in learning. He appealed to Hindu families to utilise the opportunity of Akshara Govindam Annaprasana at the Sri Vakulamatha Temple.
According to TTD, children aged between three and five years can participate in the Aksharabhyasam ceremony conducted by Vedic scholars. After the ritual, the children will receive Aseervachanam, prasadam, and a specially designed Akshara Govindam kit.
The kit, provided free of cost, consists of a writing slate, chalk, akshitha, turmeric, kumkum, sacred thread, sugar candy, portraits of Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Vakulamatha, Goddess Padmavathi, and Goddess Saraswati, besides Govinda namas, Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Peddabalasiksha, and other puja materials.
Temple priests will conduct the Annaprasana ceremony, marking a child’s first intake of solid food, as per Agama traditions amid Vedic chanting. The services will be available on all days except Tuesdays at auspicious timings fixed by the priests.
Only 50 children will be allowed per day in two batches of 25 each. Parents should register at the temple at least one hour before the programme.
The TTD chairman and EO also inaugurated a newly constructed pilgrim accommodation complex built at a cost of ₹2 crore on the temple premises.