We visited the Koothanur Saraswati temple a couple of years ago. Here is a picture from a photo we bought from the temple.
Students from down South of Tamilnadu are generally taken here before their board exams where they worship with a pen along with the regular archanai thatu.
Good piece of information Sumathi - never knew this earlier :)
In Kerala also there is one Saraswathi temple, the moorthy is Swayambu. And 'Ezhuthukkiruthal'( Aksharaabyasam on Vijayadasami day) is a grand celebration there.
I too visited the place on VijYA dasami day. White is spread along all the way and children(Even we also can) asked to do a simple archand putting flower to the deity. Nice experience.
At Mookambika also Ezhthukkiruthal famous and my daughters cosister done that for her girl.
viji