Upanayan Sanskara is an important ritual performed in Hindu culture before initiation of vedic education.
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Welcome to our enthralling blog on Upanayan Sanskara in Hinduism. Have you ever wondered why Indians wear the Janeu? Why do historical idols and images depict gods, goddesses, and other humans with the Janeu on their torsos? Let’s find answers to all these queries in the following write-up.
Introduction
Hinduism, the oldest religion in contemporary times, spreads love, harmony, and inclusivity among all beings. The 16 Samskaras, or Sanskaras, are essential rituals in the life of every Hindu, regardless of where they live. Among these, Upanayana Sanskara stands out as one of the most important rites in Hinduism.
What is Upanayan Sanskara?
Upanayana Sanskara, also known as Yagnopavit Sanskara, holds utmost importance in Hinduism. Upa means close and nayanam means to bring up, and as meaning suggest bringing one self close to the Supreme with help of Guru (teacher).
Infact, this ritual signifies the transition of a young boy towards Vedic education as a student. It also marks his acceptance into the fold of Brahmacharya (celibate student life as part of four stage of life in Hinduism), instilling rights with responsibilities and symbolizing his entry into adulthood.
Apparently, Upanayan sanskara is the most significant rites of passage in Hinduism. As per the four varna system of Hinduism four classes of society : Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyaand Shudra), it is a must performed ritual for Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya males. Earlier in Vedic times, girls also used to have Yagnopavitra sanskara. But, later as per Manu Smriti, it was limited to boys only.
Why do Hindus wear Janeu?
Wearing Janeu is considered as one of the most important rites of Hindu tradition. Janeu, the sacred thread also known as mekhal in Kashmiri, janeo in Punjabi, jaanoi in Gujrati, janya in Sindhi, janev in Bhojpuri, munja in Marathi, poite in Bangla, brataghara in Odia, logun dioni in Assamese, upanayana in Kannada, upanayanamu in Telugu, upanayanam in Malayalam and poonool in Tamil.
What is Janeu?
Janeu is the sacred thread of cotton, also called yajnopavita.This Sanskrit word is derived from the terms yajna (sacrifice) and upavita (worn). Hence, it means thread worn on the body for the sacrifice.
This thread is made of three strands, each representing a vow:
a) To respect knowledge and teachers.
b) To live a disciplined and pure life.
c) To serve humanity.
Significance of the Janeu
Moreover, wearing of the Janeu signifies the wearer’s commitment to vows and their readiness to undertake a life of learning and self-discipline.
As per sacred text, Janeu has three strings tied on the loop representing:
- Rig Veda
- Yajur Veda
- Sam Veda
Indeed, as per the sacred text, sacred thread aka Janeu consists of three threads representing three Goddesses: Gayatri (thought), Saraswati (word), and Savitri (deed).
Also the knot in Janeu is called Brahma Granthi. This Brahma Granthi is devotional representation of trinity of gods in Hinduism:
- Lord Brahma
- Lord Vishnu
- Lord Shiva
So, Janeu is more than a mere thread; it is a symbol of cultural identity, religious duty and personal discipline.
History of Janeu/ Upanayan Sanskara
Further, the tradition of wearing the Janeu dates back thousands of years. One can find in the historical books, Archeological records and historical sites, museums, etc, many idols and images often depict deities, sages and other important figures adorned with the sacred thread. One can also find idols of Lord Shiva wearing snake as Janeu.
This emphasizes the continuity of this practice and its deep roots in Hindu culture.
Upnanyan Sanskara ceremony
Further, the Upanayana ceremony is performed for boys between the ages of 8 and 16, though it can vary based on regional customs and family traditions.
Upanayan ceremony fosters a sense of continuity and identity. By understanding and participating in these rituals, one can appreciate the depth of Hindu traditions and the values they impart.
In many families, it is done at the time of marriage before the Pranigrah sanskara.
However, the ceremony ritual involves several key steps:
Preparatory Rites
First of all, people do decorate the place of puja and call it mandap. Priest begins this puja with Gauri Ganesh puja, Punyaha Vachan, Maha Sankalpam, Kalash puja amd making Upnayan thread also called Janeu. The havan is performed as per the Shastras.Then after Haldi is applied to the boy and later taken to bath. Apparently, priests keep on chanting mantras. At many places, head of the boy is shaved before the ceremony also called Mundan.
Thus all these processes results in purifying the body and mind, through a bath and recitation of mantras. After that, the child is make to wear unstiched cloth like Dhoti.
The Introduction to Guru
Secondly, after performing Havana by Guru and preist, the boy is introduced to his Guru (teacher) who will guide him in his studies.
Wearing the Janeu
Thenafter, the sacred thread called Janeu is placed over the boy’s right shoulder by a Guru or elders of the family. This moment signifies his entry into Brahmacharya. Where, he will be focusing on the enlightenment of his conscious self for betterment of self, family and society.
Diksha
Diksha refers to the process of guiding a directionless life in Hindu culture. It involves taking a Sankalp (oath). In many regions, a piece of cloth is draped to cover both the boy and the guru.
Later, the guru then whispers the Gayatri Mantra into the boy’s ear. In some traditions, the boy is taught the Gayatri Mantra, a sacred chant he is expected to recite daily. This ritual is an integral part of Diksha. Diksha symbolizes the knowledge and wisdom he will receive from his guru for a better and refined future.
Bhiksha (Blessings and Gifts)
Lastly, the boy is given a danda (staff) and a mekhala (girdle) to ask for bhiksha. Bhiksha refers to begging for anaj (cereals) to eat during the day. Danda symbolizes the pursuit of the right path in life, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and truth. As he approaches everyone present, he chants “Bhiksham Dehi.” Begging for bhiksha is a significant ritual that helps to curb the boy’s ego, instilling humility and providing the courage and strength to face the toughest situations in life. The ceremony concludes with blessings from elders and the distribution of gifts to the boy.
What to do after wearing Janeu?
After waering Janeu, one must follow the instructions :
1.Do not take the Janeu off after wearing it.
2. If the Janeu breaks, perform puja to create a new one and immerse the broken Janeu in a holy river near you.
3. It is necessary to pray every day in the evening after wearing a janeu.
4. The Vedas forbid eating non-veg food and drinking alcohol after wearing a Janeu.
5. The Janeu should be worn from the right shoulder when attending an unfortunate ceremony like death (anteyeshti). Generally, it is born on left shoulder and tilt on waist from right hand side.
Moreover, as per Gobhila Gryha Sutra and Dharmasutras, the girls who decided to become a student through Upanayan Sanskara of passage, are called Brahmavadini. And, the boys called Vatu or Dwija (born twice). In addition to, there are girls who chose not to go to a Gurukula were called Sadyovadhu. The Sadyovadhu, will complete her Upanayan Sanskara before the wedding ritusls and will wear her saree over her left shoulder.
Conclusion
Upanayan Sanskara and the wearing of the Janeu are profound traditions that embody the essence of Hindu culture and spirituality. Now, we know the charisma and magnetism of this auspicious occasion in life of hindus. Let’s grow together.
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