Upanayanam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Part of a series on Hinduism | |
| Image:Aum.svg | |
| History · Deities | |
| Denominations · Mythology | |
| Beliefs & practices | |
|---|---|
| Reincarnation · Moksha | |
| Karma · Puja · Maya | |
| Samsara · Dharma | |
| Vedanta · | |
| Yoga · Ayurveda | |
| Yuga · Vegetarianism | |
| Bhakti | |
| Scriptures | |
| Upanishads · Vedas | |
| Brahmana · Bhagavad Gita | |
| Ramayana · Mahabharata | |
| Purana · Aranyaka | |
| Related topics | |
| Dharmic Religions · | |
| Hinduism by country | |
| Leaders · Devasthana | |
| Caste system · Mantra | |
| Glossary · Hindu festivals | |
| Vigraha | |
| Portal: Hinduism | |
Upanayanam perhaps better known outside India by the name "Sacred thread ceremony", is a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. Traditionally, the ceremony was performed to mark the point at which male children began their formal education.
The ceremony is performed to young boys of 7+ years of age (and girls in some sects) from the three varnas of brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through Brahmopadesam (revealing the nature of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra. He then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmacharya, as prescribed in the Manusmriti.
The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is believed to be derived from the word nayanam meaning "eye", prefixed with upa- ("auxiliary"), making for the interpretative meaning: bringing (the ultimate truth nearer in sight) [citation needed]
Contents |
[edit] Yajñopavītam - the "Sacred Thread"
The hallmark of having gone through the Upanayanam ceremony is the wearing of a Sacred Thread on the body. The thread is circular, being tied end-to-end; it is supported on the left shoulder and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm.
Yajñopavītam has three threads each consisting of three strands. These threads represent
- Goddess Gayatri (Goddess of mind),
- Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of word) and
- Goddess Savitri (Goddess of deed).
It denotes that one who wear the sacred thread should be pure in his thought, word and deed. The sacred thread reminds a Brahmachari to lead a regulated life with purity in his thought, word and deed.
The knot in the middle represent the formless Brahman, the pure form of energy which pervades all. The three threads again represent the manifestation of brahman as Srishti, Sthithi and Vinasa. The sacred thread illustrates the fact that everything in the universe emerge from and then merge with Brahman.
The ancient text refer to wearing of Sacred Thread Yajñopavītam in three forms.
- One is Upavītam, where the Yajñopavītam is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. This is for Gods.
- The Second is Nivītam, where the Yajñopavītam is worn around the neck and over the chest. Nivīta form is to be used during Rishi Tharpana, sexual intercourses, answering the calls of nature etc.
- The third, Prachīnavītam is where the Yajñopavītam is worn above the right shoulder and under the left arm. This is for Spirits.
In some communities, later, at the occasion of wedding, a further three threads are added to make for a 6-thread bunch. In some communities, the custom exists of one thread more being added at the birth of every child. In some interpretations, these threads are intended to constantly remind the man of his worldly responsibilities.
The sacred thread is supposed to be worn for the rest of one's life after the ceremony has been performed. A new thread is worn and the old thread 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 Shakhas one belongs to.
Both the sacred thread and the Upanayanam ceremony are known by different names in different languages.
| # | Language | Name of the ceremony | Word for "Sacred Thread" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanskrit | Upanayanam | Yajñopavītam |
| 2 | Tamil | Poonal | Poonal |
| 3 | Telugu | Odugu | Janavaaram/Jandhyamu |
| 4 | Kannada | Munji | Janavaara |
| 5 | Hindi | Janev | Janev |
| 6 | Malayalam | Upanayanam | Pūnūl |
| 7 | Marathi | Munja | Jaanava |
| 8 | Konkani | Munji | Jannuvey |
| 9 | Bengali | Poithe | Poithe |
| 10 | Nepali | Bratabandha | Janai |
[edit] Regional variations
The ceremony is called Munja in the state of Maharashtra, where the Marathi language is spoken. According to one lore, the ceremony and custom find their origin in the worship of Munja, a deity resident on Pipal trees. This deity is a bachelor and is worshipped throughout Maharashtra. In Hindu folk tradition, the Pipal tree represents knowledge. Upanayana has got one more meaning, derived from Marathi words: Upa na (over/above)+yan am (it is), making for the meaning "that which is above (the shoulder)".
[edit] See also
