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Upanayana - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Upanayana is the initiation ritual by which initiates are invested with a sacred thread, to symbolize the transference of spiritual knowledge.
Contents [hide] 1 Significance of the Yajopavtam 2 Symbolism of the sacred thread 2.1 Three debts 2.2 Three devis 2.3 Purity 3 Regional variations 3.1 Bratabandha in Nepal 4 Modern gurukulas 5 See also 6 References

Significance of the Yajopavtam

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In Hinduism, a Yajopavtam (Sanskrit: , yajopavtam) is a thinconsecrated cord, composed of distinct cotton strands, worn to symbolize the permission given to him to do Sandhyavandanam and Gayatri Mantra.[1][2] The sacred Yajopavtam is known by many names (varying by region and community), such as Bratabandha, Janivaara,Jandhyam, Poita, Poonal, Janeu, Lagun, Yajnopavita, Yagyopavit, Yonya and Zunnar.[3][4]The other Sanskrit term for it is Avyanga. The sacred Upnayanam ceremony (Sanskrit: , upanayanam) that invests the wearer with the sacred Yajopavtam is often considered a socially and spiritually significant rite (orsamsk ara). It has varying formats across Hindu communities and is also called by varying names, including Upanayana, Brahmopadesham, Munji, Munj, Janeu rasm andBratabandha.[5][6] Among Hindus, the ceremony was once associated with the higher castes.[7] Though far less common, it is sometimes conducted for girls.[7] In some regions of modernNorth India, the ceremony is often conducted as an immediate precursor to wedding ceremonies, instead of during adolescence; in other regions it is almost always associated with adolescence;[8] with regards to this it is very important.

Symbolism of the sacred thread

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An article related to

The strands of the sacred thread have symbolic meaning that varies by community and region. The sacred thread has three strands. A bachelor wears only one sacred thread; a married man wears two of them making it six strands. If the man has married and has fathered a child, he wears three, which makes nine strands.

Hinduism

Three debts

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The three strands sometimes symbolize three debts (, rin) that must never be forgotten: the debt to one's teachers (, guru rin), i.e., those who have taught the wearer; the debt to one's parents and ancestors ( , pitr rin), i.e., those who have nurtured the wearer and made possible his existence; the debt to the sages/scholars ( , rishi rin), i.e., those who discovered knowledge, both spiritual and secular, over the ages, which now enriches the wearer's life. In some versions, the debt to the sages is replaced with debt to God ( , dev rin). Upon marriage, sometimes the number of strands increases to six, because the man is expected to
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assume the debts of his wife as well.[9][10][11]

Three devis

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Hinduism portal Hindu M ythology portal

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The three strands may symbolize: Parvati ( Goddess of strength ) Laksmi ( Goddess of wealth ) Saraswati ( Goddess of knowledge )[12]

Purity

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The strands could represent purity in thought, word and deed expected from the wearer. Upanayana (lit. "leading closer" to the Brahma) is a version of the sacred thread ceremony where the concept of Brahman is introduced to a boy. Traditionally, the ceremony was performed to mark the point at which boys began their formal education. The ceremony is performed when the boy is seven years old (Gharbheshu ashtame varshe) in theBrahmin varna, at least 13 years in theKshatriya varna. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life throughBrahmopadesam (revealing the nature ofBrahman, the Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra. The child then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmachari, as prescribed in the Manusmriti. According to an appendix of the Manusmriti,[citation needed] girls were allowed to study the Vedas in the previous kalpa (Creation). Orthodox Hindus, however, do not accept this reference, because no Hindu canonical text allows this ceremony for a girl in the present kalpa. However, some sects, especially Arya Samaj, perform this ceremony for girls as well on the basis of this statement. Brahmins and Kshatriyas are called dvijas meaning "twice born". A man of these castes is born once in the womb of his mother and again during the Upanayana when he learns theGayatri Mantra. The Upnayanam is practiced by the three higher castes in India.

The main point of having gone through the Upanayana ceremony is the wearing of the Yajopavtam on the body. The Yajopavtam is circular, being tied end-to-end (only one knot is permissible); it is normally supported on the left shoulder (savya) and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm. The length of the Yajopavtam is generally 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and knowledge of the absolute. It denotes that one who wears the sacred Yajopavtam should be pure in his thought, word and deed. The sacred Yajopavtam reminds a Brahmachari to lead a regulated life with purity in his thought, word and deed. This Yajopavtam also represents the debt that is owed to the guru, parents and society. The knot in the middle represent the formless Brahman, the pure form of energy which pervades all. The three strands of Yajopavtam again represent the manifestation of Brahman as Srishti, Sthithi and Vinasa. The sacred strands of Yajopavtam illustrates the fact that everything in the universe emerge from and then merge with Brahman. Ancient texts refer to the wearing of the Yajopavtam in three forms: Upavtam, where the Yajopavtam is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. This is for Gods.
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A Tulu Madhw a Brahmin boy during his upanayana ritual. The thin, yellow ed,Yajnopavita thread runs from left shoulder to w aist. Note the munja grass girdle around the w aist. The peepal tree tw ig in his right hand marks his entry into the Brahmacharya stage of life.

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Upavtam is also called savya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra, etc.). Nivtam', where the Yajopavtam is worn around the neck and over the chest. Nivta form is to be used during Rishi Tharpana, sexual intercourse, answering the calls of nature, etc., and during ancestor worship/funeral rites (Shadvimsha Brahmana, Latyayana, etc.). Prachnavtam is where the Yajopavtam is worn above the right shoulder and under the left arm. This is for Spirits and is used by men when performing the death ceremonies of an elder. Prachnavtam is also called apsavya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra, Manusmriti, etc.). In some communities, later, at the occasion of wedding, a further three strands of Yajopavtam are added to make for a six-strand bunch. In some communities, the custom is of one thread more being added at the birth of every child. In some interpretations, these strands of Yajopavtam are intended to constantly remind the man of his worldly responsibilities. Three original strands of Yajopavtam (each consisting of three) make up nine strands of Yajopavtam, to which three are added for wife and one for children, making a total of 13 individual strands of Yajopavtam in some communities. Ancient Hindu texts specify an age for the Upanayana ceremony based on the caste (8 for Brahmins, 11 for Kshathriyas, 12 for Vaishyas (Manu Smriti sloka 2:36)). Upanayanam marks the start of learning of "Brahman" and Vedic texts. The age for Upanayanam supports this as Brahmins devote their life in pursuing the knowledge of "Brahman" and hence makes sense to start early and continue for a longer time. Kshathriyas, on the other hand, study additional skills and go through "Brahman 101". In the communities where three strands of Yajopavtam are added at the time of wedding, there is another interpretation. Once a student achieves a certain level of Brahma knowledge ("Brahma Vidya"), the guru adds three more strings signifying "graduation" and the student goes on to study. In South Indian wedding ceremonies, the addition of the three more strings is followed by "KashiYatra". This signifies the Yatra student intends for advanced study. At this point, the father of the bride convinces the youth to get married and then go to Kashi (Varanasi) with his new bride. In modern days, the ceremony is packaged in the wedding ceremony. The sacred Yajopavtam is supposed to be worn for the rest of one's life after the ceremony has been performed. A new Yajopavtam is worn and the old Yajopavtam discarded every year; the change-over ceremony is held on a specific date calculated as per the Hindu lunar calendar. Among Brahmins, this date varies depending on which of four Vedic Shak has one belongs to. The sacred Yajopavtam has close and essential connection with the concept of pravarasrelated to brahmin gotra system, which reflects the number of most excellent Vedic rishisbelonging to the particular gotra to which the wearer of sacred Yajopavtam belongs. Generally, there are either three or five pravaras. While tying the knots of sacred strands of Yajopavtam, an oath is taken in the name of these excellent sages. The full affiliation of a Vedic brhamana consists of gotra sutra (of Kalpa) shakha pravaras. For example, a brahmana named 'X' introduces himself as follows: I am 'X', of Shrivatsa gotra, of pastamba sutra, of Taittiriya shkha of Yajurveda, of five pravaras named Bhrgava, Chyvana, pnavan, Aurva and Jmdagnya (This example is based upon the example given by Pattbhirm Shastri in the introduction to Vedrtha-Prijata, cf. ref.)[citation needed]

Regional variations

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The ceremony is called Munja or Mounji-Bandhana (lit. Tying of munja) in the state ofMaharashtra. This name finds its
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origin in the name of a grass variety called Saccharummunja (Bengal cane[13]). This grass is used to make a girdle that is tied around the waist of the child.[14] In Gujarat, the sacred thread is known as the "janoi." Upanayana has one more meaning, derived from Sanskrit words: upa (lesser)+ nayanam (to lead), meaning "lesser leading along". # 1 Language Sanskrit Name of the ceremony Upanayanam Upanayanam pl/Upanayanam / Odugu,Upanayanamu , Upanayana, Munji , Janeu Munja Munji , Lagundeoni Uponayon Word for "Sacred Thread" Yajopavtam Poonool (IAST: Pnl) Pnl(IAST: Pnl)

Malayalam

Tamil

Telugu

Jandhyamu Janivaara Janeu zaanave Jannuvey , Lagun Upabeet, Poit

Kannada

Hindi

Marathi

Konkani

Assamese

10 Bengali

Bratopanayan,Brata Ghara , Bratabandha Mekhal , Munji, Noola Madimme , Yagnopavit Janeyu

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Poitaa Janai , Yonya o, Janivaara Janoi Janeyu
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11 Oriya

12 Nepali

13 Kashmiri

14 Tulu

15 Gujarati

16 Pahari
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17 Sindhi Janya Janju Oduvam [edit]

Janya Janju Jenjam

18 Punjabi 19 Sourashtra

Bratabandha in Nepal

This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist byediting it . (February 2013) A ceremony which combines chuDAkarma and upanayana is calledBratabandha (Sanskrit brata = promise, bandhan = to be bound) among the hill communities in Nepal. A religious ceremony is held where most of a boy's head is shaved (except the very top) by his maternal uncle and performs rituals. It is a symbolic representation that a boy is mature enough to perform his duties as a brahmachari (that is to learn) and learn the traditional laws, ceremonial roles and rituals of their caste.[15] Red, white, yellow markings, Swasti, are made around a fire for protection and as an elaborate place setting, indicating where each god should sit when they join the ceremony.[15] Offerings of fruit, money, cloth and rice, were made. Two Bhramin priests are required to perform the complex rituals.

At Upanayana ceremony of Nepalis

Boys are given a secret mantra , which they are not to share with anyone. This mantra comes from the holy Hindu book, Ved. It is thought if the boys repeat the mantra every day they will be protected from misfortune.[15]Also, the mantra is taken as the only companion or guide in the metaphysical journey towards becoming a Bramhan.[16] Traditionally these boys were then sent to ashrams of gurus to learn in a Gurukul system of education. Today it is only represented symbolically Tw o young batuks during Upanayan by letting the boys beg with the relatives or friends (esp. elders) at the Sanskar. occasion like the students in the Gurukul system in ashrams used to in homes). At this point, the boys who want to renounce family life and get to the gurus by running (though it is just pretended as doing so) is avoided by the mama (maternal uncle) who lures them to material world or grihastha by offering money. In that process the boy tries to run away by running towards the other side of the road. The boy promise to stay home and at the same time perform the karmas of a brahmachaari (studying, earning a living and performing religious rites). After this ceremony the boys are considered men (though not physically). They are given the Janai (yagyopavita, the holy thread from yagya) and are expected to keep with the rules and norms of full-age men. This promise, taken by wearing the janai, holds them in a bond. This gives its name Bratabhandha. From this point onward they are permitted to take an active part in religious
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ceremonies (pujas, last rituals, marriages, etc.). Non-veg is not allowed to the boy for a week or so who has just gone through his Bratabandha. The ceremony culminates with the wearing of the Janai, a sash made of strings. Brahmins are given six strings and taught the secret gayatri mantra which is not to be repeated aloud. Chettris are also given six strings except some caste like giri and puri who are given three strings.

Modern gurukulas

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Upa+nayana also means taking somebody near (upain) knowledge. In ancient times, after the ceremony was performed, the child was sent to the guru's house (gurukul) for education, where the child remained until completion of education. Even today, there are many Vedicgurukulas (traditional Vedic schools) which follow this practice with and without government help, without taking any fees from students (who must be brahmacharis).

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