Thousands of children were initiated into the world of letters at various temples in the district on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami on Wednesday.
Acharyas introduced the tiny tots to the world of knowledge through the traditional custom of writing ‘Harisree’ in Malayalam with their index finger on rice-filled platters.
Several temples witnessed heavy rush, as parents thronged the religious places with their children from early morning onwards.
The renowned Mookambika Temple at North Paravur, one of the few Saraswathy temples in the State, was overflowing with devotees from the early morning itself. Long queues of devotees could be seen in front of the temple as people even from far away places thronged the area to attend the ceremony.
Temple priest Puliyannur Vasudevan Namboodiri, and Melshanti Viswanathan Namboodiri led the ‘poojayeduppu’ rituals. They also initiated children into the world of letters along with 20 gurus on the occasion.
Children who came from far and near made their first foray into the knowledge world at the temple popularly known as ‘Dakshina Mookambika'.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple opened at 3 a.m. Vidyarambham ceremonies started at 5.30 a.m.
Hundreds of children were also initiated into the world of letters at the famous Chottanikara Devi Temple.
Devotees reached the temple from Tuesday night itself to participate in the rituals held on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Initiation ceremonies led by nearly 25 gurus began after the Saraswathy pooja. Children also received special gifts after the completion of the traditional Vidyarambham.
The elders held the hands of the children and helped them write their first letters.
The police and volunteers ensured the smooth conduct of the ‘Vidyarambham’ programmes. The temple authorities had made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the heavy rush of devotees.
Noted critic M. K. Sanoo also initiated nearly 10 children into the world of letters at a function held in his residence here in the morning.
Vidyarambham ceremonies were also held in Adisankara Janmabhumi temple at Kalady; Avanamkode temple; Ernakulam Siva Temple; Anchumana Devi Temple; Vennala Vediyoormadam Devi Temple; Ravipuram Sreekrishnaswamy Temple; Pavakulam Sree Mahadeva Temple, Kaloor; Valnjambalam Devi Temple; and Sreerajarajeswari Devi Temple, Palarivattom.
