Akshararambha is a Vedic ritual for introducing the child to alphabets. After worshipping Lord Ganesha, God Guru, Goddess Saraswati and family deity, the child is introduced to Akshara(s) i.e. alphabets. During the ritual, the teacher sits facing the east and the child sits facing the west. At the end of the ritual, the teacher is presented with clothes, other articles and he blesses the child for a bright future.
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Columbus, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
All time intervals are categorized into three
Akshararambha is performed during 5th year of the child during Uttarayana. Following considerations are met while choosing appropriate time for Akshararambha ritual.
Nakshatra: All short Nakshatra i.e. Ashwini (1), Pushya (8), Hasta (13), gentle and friendly Nakshatra Chitra (14), Anuradha (17), Revati (27), movable Nakshatra Punarvasu (7), Swati (15), Shravana (22) and ferocious Nakshatra Ardra (6) are considered good for Akshararambha.
Tithi: Dwitiya (2), Tritiya (3), Panchami (5), Shashthi (6), Dashami (10), Ekadashi (11), Dwadashi (12) of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha are considered auspicious for Akshararambha. Tithi during Shukla Paksha are preferred over Krishna Paksha.
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are considered good for Akshararambha.
Lagna: Lagna(s) of benefic Graha after discarding movable one are considered good for Akshararambha. In other words, Lagna of Vrishabha (2), Mithuna (3), Kanya (6), Dhanu (9) and Meena (12) are considered good for Akshararambha.
Kundali: 8th House should be empty. Benefic(s) strongly placed in 7th or 10th House are considered good.
Chandra and Tara Shuddhi: Proper Chandra and Tara Shuddhi for child should be performed. If Budha is transiting favourably for the child then it is considered very good for Akshararambha.