Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
7.6. Vidyarambha or Aksaras-vikarana
[Full title: (C) The distinctive sacramental features; (I) Part 1; (6): Vidyarambha or Aksaras-vikarana].
The sacrament of Vidyarambha (commencement of learning) or Aksaras vikarana (learning of alphabet), is not generally treated in the Grhya-sutras, Dharmasutras & the early smrtis 11. It is referred to in the Brhaspati smrti (Reconstructed) & the Markandeya purana. Mm.P.V.Kane remarks, "It appears that from the early centuries of the Christian Era, a ceremony called, Vidyarambha 12 (commencement of learning alphabet) was celebrated" 13. The present reconstructed text also contains a verse that deals with this ceremony (377). According to Devala, this sacrament is to be performed in the fifth year of child, when the sun is in the Northen Hemisphere. The goddess sarasvati & gods, visnu & vinayaka should be properly worshipped with the offering of guda (mollasses), Odana (cooked rice) etc. kalpana's.