Upanayana
Encyclopedia
Upanayana is the initiation
ritual
by which initiates are invested with a sacred thread, to symbolize the transference of spiritual knowledge .
and Buddhism
, a Sacred Thread (Sanskrit
: यज्ञोपवीतम्, yajñopavītam) is a thin consecrated
cord, composed of distinct cotton strands, worn to symbolize coming of age. The sacred thread is known by many names (varying by region and community), such as Janeu, Lagun, Yajnopavita, Yagyopavit, Yonya and Zunnar.
The sacred thread ceremony (Sanskrit: उपनयनम्, upanayanam) that invests the wearer with the sacred thread is often considered a socially and spiritually significant rite (or samskara
). It has varying formats across Hindu-Buddhist communities and is also called by varying names, including Upanayana, Munj, Janeu rasm and Bratabandha. Among Hindus, the ceremony was once associated with the three higher castes, but is now administered to all adolescent
males without consideration of caste by several denominations. Though far less common, it is also sometimes conducted for girls. In some regions of modern North India
, the ceremony is often conducted as an immediate precursor to wedding ceremonies, instead of during adolescence, while in other regions it is almost always associated with adolescence. Among Buddhists, the ceremony can be conducted at all ages and for both genders. the ceremony may also be held in the boys house or in the mandir.(the holy place of worship)
The strands of the sacred thread have symbolic meaning that varies by community and region. Usually, the sacred thread has three strands, but in some communities it can number six or nine as well.
In some versions, the debt to the sages is replaced with debt to God (देव ऋण, dev rin). Upon marriage, sometimes the number of strands increases to six, because the man is expected to assume the debts of his wife as well.
refuge (त्रिरत्न, triratnas; Chinese
: 三宝, sānbǎo; Japanese
: 三宝, sambō) and constant meditative and moral practices as outlined in the Eightfold Path
. The three jewels are -
is introduced to a young 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 the Brahmin
varna, at least 13 years in the Kshatriya
varna, and at least 17 years in the Vaishya
varna. 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
. The child then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmachari, as prescribed in the Manusmriti. According to an appendix of the Manusmriti, 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, esp. Arya Samaj
, perform this ceremony for girls as well on the basis of this statement.
In Buddhism
, which in its inception rebelled from any superficial show of ritualistic practices, relied on finding the true meaning of "upanayana" through meditative practices as outlined by Buddha
. This practice is universal and open to all regardless of age, caste lineage, race or sex.
s 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 the Gayatri Mantra
. The thread ceremony is practiced by the three higher castes in India.
The hallmark of having gone through the Upanayana ceremony is the wearing of the Yajñopavītam ("Sacred Thread") on the body. The thread 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 thread is generally 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the four fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and knowledge of the absolute.
Yajñopavītam has three threads (actually only one thread, folded three times and tied together) each consisting of three strands. These threads represent
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. These threads also represent 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 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
.
Ancient texts refer to the wearing of the Yajñopavītam in three forms:
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
. 3 original threads (each consisting of 3) make up 9 threads, to which 3 are added for wife and 1 for children, making a total of 13 individual threads 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 only go through "Brahman 101". In the communities where three threads 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 3 more strings signifying "Graduation" and the student goes on to study. In South Indian wedding ceremony, the addition of the 3 more string is followed by "Kashi
Yatra
". 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 entire ceremony is packaged within the wedding ceremony.
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 Brahmin
s, this date varies depending on which of four Vedic Shakhas one belongs to.
The sacred thread has close and essential connection with the concept of pravaras
related to brahmin gotra system
, which reflects the number of most excellent Vedic
rishi
s belonging to that particular gotra
to which the wearer of sacred thread belongs. Generally, there are either three or five pravaras. While tying the knots of sacred thread, an oath is taken in the name of these excellent sages. The full affiliation of a Vedic brāhamana consists of (1) gotra
, (2)sutra
(of Kalpa
), (3) shakha
, (4) pravaras
. (Example :) A brahmana named 'X' introduces himself as follows: I am 'X', of Shrivatsa gotra, of Āpastamba sutra, of Taittiriya shākha of Yajurveda, of five pravaras named Bhārgava, Chyāvana, Āpnavan, Aurva and Jāmdagnya (This example is based upon the example given by Pattābhirām Shastri in the introduction to Vedārtha-Pārijata, cf. ref.)
. This name for the ceremony finds its origin in the name of a grass variety called Saccharum munja (English - Bengal Cane http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Saccharum.html#bengalense). This grass is used to make a girdle which is then tied around the waist of the child.http://www.hindunet.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=9946&Main=9946 In Gujarat, the sacred thread is known as the "janoy."
Upanayana has one more meaning, derived from Sanskrit words: Upa na (over/above)+yan am (it is), making for the meaning "that which is above (the shoulder)".
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 various rituals. It is a symbolic representation that a boy is mature enough to perform his duties as a bharmachari (that is to learn) and learn the traditional laws, ceremonial roles and rituals of their caste.
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. Offerings of fruit, money, cloth and rice, were made. Two Bhramin priests are required to perform the complex rituals of the ceremony.
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.
Traditionally these boys were then sent to ashrams of gurus to learn in a vedic
system of education. However today it is only represented symbolically by letting the boys beg (the ancient shyshas in ashrams used to beg home to home). 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. These boys promise to stay home and at the same time perform the karmas of a bramhacharya (studying, earning a living and performing religious rites). Thus 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-aged men. This promise, taken by wearing the janai, holds them in a bind. This gives its name bratabhandha. From this point onwards they are permitted to take an active part in religious ceremonies (pujas, last rituals, marriages, etc.).
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 given three strings.
).
, the Upanayanam is referred to by the Pali
term, "opanayiko" which is one of the six characteristics of the Dharma
. It is related to refuge in the Triple Gem and practicing the Eightfold Path which leads one through to the Four stages of enlightenment
. In the Visuddhimagga
it is called "opanayiko" or "upanayanam" as the practice leads "onwards to Nirvana
": nibanam upaneti ti ariya maggo upaneyo...opanayiko,"It leads on to nibanna, thus the Eightfold Path is onward leading...so it is leading onwards."
In Buddhism, a person of any age, sex or caste can obtain the Upanayanam through refuge in the Triple Gem and practicing the Eightfold Path.
Initiation
Initiation is a rite of passage ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components...
ritual
Ritual
A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. The term usually excludes actions which are arbitrarily chosen by the performers....
by which initiates are invested with a sacred thread, to symbolize the transference of spiritual knowledge .
Significance of the sacred thread
In HinduismHinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
and Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, a Sacred Thread (Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
: यज्ञोपवीतम्, yajñopavītam) is a thin consecrated
Consecration
Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word "consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred". Persons, places, or things can be consecrated, and the term is used in various ways by different groups...
cord, composed of distinct cotton strands, worn to symbolize coming of age. The sacred thread is known by many names (varying by region and community), such as Janeu, Lagun, Yajnopavita, Yagyopavit, Yonya and Zunnar.
The sacred thread ceremony (Sanskrit: उपनयनम्, upanayanam) that invests the wearer with the sacred thread is often considered a socially and spiritually significant rite (or samskara
Samskara
Samskara may refer to:* Saṃskāra, Hindu rites* Saṃskāra , in Buddhism, mental and volitional formations* Samskara , a technique in ayurvedic medicine...
). It has varying formats across Hindu-Buddhist communities and is also called by varying names, including Upanayana, Munj, Janeu rasm and Bratabandha. Among Hindus, the ceremony was once associated with the three higher castes, but is now administered to all adolescent
Adolescence
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood , but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage...
males without consideration of caste by several denominations. Though far less common, it is also sometimes conducted for girls. In some regions of modern North India
North India
North India, known natively as Uttar Bhārat or Shumālī Hindustān , is a loosely defined region in the northern part of India. The exact meaning of the term varies by usage...
, the ceremony is often conducted as an immediate precursor to wedding ceremonies, instead of during adolescence, while in other regions it is almost always associated with adolescence. Among Buddhists, the ceremony can be conducted at all ages and for both genders. the ceremony may also be held in the boys house or in the mandir.(the holy place of worship)
Symbolism of the sacred thread
Three debts
The three strands sometimes symbolize three debts (ऋण, rin) that must never be forgotten -- the debt to one's teachers (गुरु ऋण, guruGuruA guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
rin), i.e. those who have taught the wearer - the debt to one's parents and ancestors (पितृ ऋण, pitr rin), i.e. those who have nurtured the wearer and made possible his existence
- the debt to the sages/scholars (ऋषि ऋण, rishiRishiRishi denotes the composers of Vedic hymns. However, according to post-Vedic tradition, the rishi is a "seer" to whom the Vedas were "originally revealed" through states of higher consciousness. The rishis were prominent when Vedic Hinduism took shape, as far back as some three thousand years...
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 (देव ऋण, dev rin). Upon marriage, sometimes the number of strands increases to six, because the man is expected to assume the debts of his wife as well.
Three devis
The three strands may symbolize -- DeviDeviDevī is the Sanskrit word for Goddess, used mostly in Hinduism, its related masculine term is deva. Devi is synonymous with Shakti, the female aspect of the divine, as conceptualized by the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. She is the female counterpart without whom the male aspect, which represents...
GayatriGayatriGayatri is the feminine form of , a Sanskrit word for a song or a hymn. Gayatri is a consort of Brahma and the goddess of learning. Brahma married her when there was a need for a companion during a yajna. Brahma had to start the yajna along with his wife...
(गायत्री, Goddess of mind) - Devi SaraswatiSaraswatiIn Hinduism Saraswati , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the consort of Brahma, also revered as His Shakti....
(सरस्वती, Goddess of word) - Devi SavitrSavitrSavitr IAST: savitrIn Vedic religion, Savitr , Savitā is a solar deity and one of the Adityas i.e. off-spring of Vedic deity Aditi. His name in Vedic Sanskrit connotes "impeller, rouser, vivifier"...
i (सवित्री, Goddess of deed)
Purity
The strands could represent purity in thought, word and deed expected from the wearer.Three gems of Buddhism
In Buddhism, the sacred thread is associated with the Triple GemThree Jewels
The Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, the Siemese Triples, Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem , are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge.The Three Jewels are:* BuddhaTaking refuge in the Three Jewels is...
refuge (त्रिरत्न, triratnas; Chinese
Chinese language
The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
: 三宝, sānbǎo; Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
: 三宝, sambō) and constant meditative and moral practices as outlined in the Eightfold Path
Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path , is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering and the achievement of self-awakening. It is used to develop insight into the true nature of phenomena and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion...
. The three jewels are -
- BuddhaGautama BuddhaSiddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
, the enlightened one who symbolizes the highest spiritual potential that exists within all beings - DharmaDharma (Buddhism)Dhamma or Dharma in Buddhism can have the following meanings:* The state of Nature as it is * The Laws of Nature considered collectively....
, the teachings of the Buddha - SanghaSanghaSangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose...
, the community of the enlightened and enlightenment-seekers, who help a practicing Buddhist to do the same
Upanayana
Upanayana (lit. "leading closer" to the Brahma) is a version of the sacred thread ceremony where the concept of BrahmanBrahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
is introduced to a young 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 the Brahmin
Brahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
varna, at least 13 years in the Kshatriya
Kshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
varna, and at least 17 years in the Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
varna. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through Brahmopadesam (revealing the nature of Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
, the Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra
Gayatri Mantra
The Gāyatrī Mantra is a highly revered mantra, based on a Vedic Sanskrit verse from a hymn of the Rigveda , attributed to the rishi . The mantra is named for its vedic gāyatrī metre. As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the deva Savitr, it is often called Sāvitrī...
. The child then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmachari, as prescribed in the Manusmriti. According to an appendix of the Manusmriti, 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, esp. Arya Samaj
Arya Samaj
Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayananda on 10 April 1875. He was a sannyasi who believed in the infallible authority of the Vedas. Dayananda emphasized the ideals of brahmacharya...
, perform this ceremony for girls as well on the basis of this statement.
In Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, which in its inception rebelled from any superficial show of ritualistic practices, relied on finding the true meaning of "upanayana" through meditative practices as outlined by Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
. This practice is universal and open to all regardless of age, caste lineage, race or sex.
Yajñopavītam - the "Sacred Thread"
BrahminBrahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
s 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 the Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri Mantra
The Gāyatrī Mantra is a highly revered mantra, based on a Vedic Sanskrit verse from a hymn of the Rigveda , attributed to the rishi . The mantra is named for its vedic gāyatrī metre. As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the deva Savitr, it is often called Sāvitrī...
. The thread ceremony is practiced by the three higher castes in India.
The hallmark of having gone through the Upanayana ceremony is the wearing of the Yajñopavītam ("Sacred Thread") on the body. The thread 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 thread is generally 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the four fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and knowledge of the absolute.
Yajñopavītam has three threads (actually only one thread, folded three times and tied together) each consisting of three strands. These threads represent
- Goddess GayatriGayatriGayatri is the feminine form of , a Sanskrit word for a song or a hymn. Gayatri is a consort of Brahma and the goddess of learning. Brahma married her when there was a need for a companion during a yajna. Brahma had to start the yajna along with his wife...
(Goddess of mind), - Goddess SaraswatiSaraswatiIn Hinduism Saraswati , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the consort of Brahma, also revered as His Shakti....
(Goddess of word) and - Goddess SavitriSavitrSavitr IAST: savitrIn Vedic religion, Savitr , Savitā is a solar deity and one of the Adityas i.e. off-spring of Vedic deity Aditi. His name in Vedic Sanskrit connotes "impeller, rouser, vivifier"...
(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. These threads also represent the debt that is owed to the guru, parents and society.
The knot in the middle represent the formless Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
, 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
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
.
Ancient texts refer to the wearing of the 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. Upavītam is also called savya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra &c.).
- 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 intercourse, answering the calls of nature etc. (-Shadvimsha Brahmana, Latyayana, etc.).
- The third, Prachīnavītam is where the Yajñopavītam 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. Prachīnavītam is also called apsavya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra, Manusmriti, &c.).
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
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
. 3 original threads (each consisting of 3) make up 9 threads, to which 3 are added for wife and 1 for children, making a total of 13 individual threads 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
Manu Smriti
' , also known as Mānava-Dharmaśāstra , is the most important and earliest metrical work of the Dharmaśāstra textual tradition of Hinduism...
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 only go through "Brahman 101". In the communities where three threads 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 3 more strings signifying "Graduation" and the student goes on to study. In South Indian wedding ceremony, the addition of the 3 more string is followed by "Kashi
Varanasi
-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
Yatra
Yatra
' , in Hinduism and other Indian religions, generally means pilgrimage to holy places such as confluences of sacred rivers, places associated with Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and other sacred pilgrimage sites. Tīrtha-yātrā refers to a pilgrimage to a holy site, and is...
". 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
Varanasi
-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
) with his new bride. In modern days, the entire ceremony is packaged within the wedding ceremony.
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 Brahmin
Brahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
s, this date varies depending on which of four Vedic Shakhas one belongs to.
The sacred thread has close and essential connection with the concept of pravaras
Pravaras
Literally, Pravara means the most excellent . Pravara is the number of the most excellent rishis who belonged to that particular gotra to which the wearer of sacred thread belongs. Gotra is the name of the founding father...
related to brahmin gotra system
Brahmin gotra system
The word "gotra" means "lineage" in the Sanskrit language. Among those of the Brahmin caste, gotras are reckoned patrilineally. Each gotra takes the name of a famous Rishi or sage who was the patrilineal forebearer of that clan...
, which reflects the number of most excellent Vedic
Brahmin gotra system
The word "gotra" means "lineage" in the Sanskrit language. Among those of the Brahmin caste, gotras are reckoned patrilineally. Each gotra takes the name of a famous Rishi or sage who was the patrilineal forebearer of that clan...
rishi
Rishi
Rishi denotes the composers of Vedic hymns. However, according to post-Vedic tradition, the rishi is a "seer" to whom the Vedas were "originally revealed" through states of higher consciousness. The rishis were prominent when Vedic Hinduism took shape, as far back as some three thousand years...
s belonging to that particular gotra
Gotra
In the Hindu society, the term Gotra broadly refers to people who are descendants in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Panini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram , which means "the word gotra denotes the progeny beginning with the son's son"...
to which the wearer of sacred thread belongs. Generally, there are either three or five pravaras. While tying the knots of sacred thread, an oath is taken in the name of these excellent sages. The full affiliation of a Vedic brāhamana consists of (1) gotra
Gotra
In the Hindu society, the term Gotra broadly refers to people who are descendants in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Panini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram , which means "the word gotra denotes the progeny beginning with the son's son"...
, (2)sutra
Sutra
Sūtra is an aphorism or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual. Literally it means a thread or line that holds things together and is derived from the verbal root siv-, meaning to sew , as does the medical term...
(of Kalpa
Kalpa
Kalpa is a small town in the Sutlej river valley, above Recong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. Inhabited by Kinnauri people and famous for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash-crop for the region...
), (3) shakha
Shakha
A shakha , is a Hindu theological school that specializes in learning certain Vedic texts, or else the traditional texts followed by such a school. An individual follower of a particular school or recension is called a ...
, (4) pravaras
Pravaras
Literally, Pravara means the most excellent . Pravara is the number of the most excellent rishis who belonged to that particular gotra to which the wearer of sacred thread belongs. Gotra is the name of the founding father...
. (Example :) A brahmana named 'X' introduces himself as follows: I am 'X', of Shrivatsa gotra, of Āpastamba sutra, of Taittiriya shākha of Yajurveda, of five pravaras named Bhārgava, Chyāvana, Āpnavan, Aurva and Jāmdagnya (This example is based upon the example given by Pattābhirām Shastri in the introduction to Vedārtha-Pārijata, cf. ref.)
Regional variations
The ceremony is called Munja or Mounji-Bandhana (lit. Tieing of munja)in the state of MaharashtraMaharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
. This name for the ceremony finds its origin in the name of a grass variety called Saccharum munja (English - Bengal Cane http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Saccharum.html#bengalense). This grass is used to make a girdle which is then tied around the waist of the child.http://www.hindunet.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=9946&Main=9946 In Gujarat, the sacred thread is known as the "janoy."
Upanayana has one more meaning, derived from Sanskrit words: Upa na (over/above)+yan am (it is), making for the meaning "that which is above (the shoulder)".
| # | Language | Name of the ceremony | Word for "Sacred Thread" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... |
Upanayanam उपनयनम् |
Yajñopavītam यज्ञोपवीतम् |
| 2 | Malayalam | Upanayanam ഉപനയനം |
Poonool (IAST IAST The International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration is a transliteration scheme that allows a lossless romanization of Indic scripts as employed by the Sanskrit language.-Popularity:... : Pūnūl) പൂണൂല് |
| 3 | Tamil Tamil language Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore... |
pūṇūl/Upanayanam பூணூல்/உபநயனம் |
Pūnūl(IAST IAST The International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration is a transliteration scheme that allows a lossless romanization of Indic scripts as employed by the Sanskrit language.-Popularity:... : Pūnūl) பூணூல் |
| 4 | Telugu Telugu language Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu... |
Odugu,Upanayanamu |
Jandhyamu |
| 5 | Kannada | Upanayana, Munji |
Janivaara |
| 6 | Hindi Hindi Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi... |
Janeu जनेऊ |
Janeu जनेऊ |
| 7 | Marathi Marathi language Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most... |
Munja मुंज |
Jaanave जानवे |
| 8 | Konkani Konkani language KonkaniKonkani is a name given to a group of several cognate dialects spoken along the narrow strip of land called Konkan, on the west coast of India. This is, however, somewhat an over-generalisation. Geographically, Konkan is defined roughly as the area between the river Damanganga to the north... |
Munji मुंज,मुंजि |
Jannuvey जानवें,जानुवें |
| 9 | Assamese Assamese language Assamese is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language. It is used mainly in the state of Assam in North-East India. It is also the official language of Assam. It is also spoken in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and other northeast Indian states. Nagamese, an Assamese-based Creole language is widely used in... |
Lagundeoni লগুণদিয়নি |
Lagun লগুন |
| 10 | Bengali Bengali language Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script... |
Uponayon উপনয়ন |
Poité পৈতে |
| 11 | Oriya Oriya language Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal... |
Vratopanayan,Vrata Ghara ବ୍ରତୋପନୟନ, ବ୍ରତଘର |
Pawitaa ପଇତା |
| 12 | Nepali Nepali language Nepali or Nepalese is a language in the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.It is the official language and de facto lingua franca of Nepal and is also spoken in Bhutan, parts of India and parts of Myanmar... |
Bratabandha ब्रतबंध |
Janai जनई |
| 13 | Kashmiri Kashmiri language Kashmiri is a language from the Dardic sub-group and it is spoken primarily in the Kashmir Valley, in Jammu and Kashmir. There are approximately 5,554,496 speakers in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Census of 2001. Most of the 105,000 speakers or so in Pakistan are émigrés from the Kashmir... |
Mekhal معخل,मेखल |
Yonya يoنيآ,योनया |
| 14 | Tulu Tulu language The Tulu language |?]]]) is a Dravidian language spoken by 1.95 million native speakers mainly in the southwest part of Indian state Karnataka known as Tulu Nadu. In India, 1.72 million people speak it as their mother tongue , increased by 10 percent over the 1991 census... |
Munji, Noola Madimme ಮುಂಜಿ, ನೂಲ ಮದಿಮ್ಮೆ |
Janivaara ಜನಿವಾರ |
| 15 | Gujarati Gujarati language Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. It is derived from a language called Old Gujarati which is the ancestor language of the modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages... |
Yagnopavit યજ્ઞોપવિત |
Janoi જનોઈ |
| 16 | Pahari Pahari languages The Pahari languages are a geographic group of Indic languages spoken in the lower ranges of the Himalayas, from Nepal in the east to the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in the west.-Classification:The Pahari languages fall into three groups:*Eastern, consisting... |
Janeyu जनेयु |
Janeyu जनेयु |
| 17 | Sindhi Sindhi language Sindhi is the language of the Sindh region of Pakistan that is spoken by the Sindhi people. In India, it is among 22 constitutionally recognized languages, where Sindhis are a sizeable minority. It is spoken by 53,410,910 people in Pakistan, according to the national government's Statistics Division... |
Janya जानया |
Janya जानया |
| 18 | Sourashtra Sourashtra language Sourashtra or "Sourashtras" or ꢱꣃꢬꢵꢰ꣄ꢜ꣄ꢬꢵ refers to a community of people who had their original homes in Gujarat and presently settled almost in all major Towns of Tamil Nadu and are concentrated more in Madurai which is considered as their cultural Headquarters.They have also settled in... |
Oduvam |
Jenjam |
Bratabandha in Nepal
A ceremony which combines chuDAkarma and upanayana is called Bratabandhan (SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
brata-promise, bandhan-to be bound) among the hill communities in Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
.
A religious ceremony is held where most of a boy's head is shaved(except the very top)by his maternal uncle and performs various rituals. It is a symbolic representation that a boy is mature enough to perform his duties as a bharmachari (that is to learn) and learn the traditional laws, ceremonial roles and rituals of their caste.
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. Offerings of fruit, money, cloth and rice, were made. Two Bhramin priests are required to perform the complex rituals of the ceremony.
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.
Traditionally these boys were then sent to ashrams of gurus to learn in a vedic
Vedic
Vedic may refer to:* the Vedas, the oldest preserved Indic texts** Vedic Sanskrit, the language of these texts** Vedic period, during which these texts were produced** Vedic pantheon of gods mentioned in Vedas/vedic period...
system of education. However today it is only represented symbolically by letting the boys beg (the ancient shyshas in ashrams used to beg home to home). 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
Grihastha
Grihasthya refers to the second phase of an individual's life in the Vedic ashram system. It is often called 'the householders life' revolving as it does around the duties of maintaining a household and leading a family-centred life.-Usage:...
by offering money. These boys promise to stay home and at the same time perform the karmas of a bramhacharya (studying, earning a living and performing religious rites). Thus 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-aged men. This promise, taken by wearing the janai, holds them in a bind. This gives its name bratabhandha. From this point onwards they are permitted to take an active part in religious ceremonies (pujas, last rituals, marriages, etc.).
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 given three strings.
Modern Gurukulas
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 Vedic Gurukulas (traditional Vedic schools) which follow this practice with and without government help, without taking any fees from students (who must be brahmacharisBrahmacharya
Brahmacharya is one of the four stages of life in an age-based social system as laid out in the Manu Smrti and later Classical Sanskrit texts in Hinduism. It refers to an educational period of 14–20 years which starts before the age of puberty. During this time the traditional vedic sciences are...
).
Buddhism and Upanayanam
In BuddhismBuddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, the Upanayanam is referred to by the Pali
Páli
- External links :* *...
term, "opanayiko" which is one of the six characteristics of the Dharma
Dharma (Buddhism)
Dhamma or Dharma in Buddhism can have the following meanings:* The state of Nature as it is * The Laws of Nature considered collectively....
. It is related to refuge in the Triple Gem and practicing the Eightfold Path which leads one through to the Four stages of enlightenment
Four stages of enlightenment
The four stages of enlightenment in Buddhism are the four progressive stages culminating in full enlightenment as an Arahat, which an average, instructed person can attain in this life...
. In the Visuddhimagga
Visuddhimagga
The Visuddhimagga , is the 'great treatise' on Theravada Buddhist doctrine written by Buddhaghosa approximately in 430 CE in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive manual condensing the theoretical and practical teaching of the Buddha, it is considered the most important Theravada text outside of the Tipitaka...
it is called "opanayiko" or "upanayanam" as the practice leads "onwards to Nirvana
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
": nibanam upaneti ti ariya maggo upaneyo...opanayiko,"It leads on to nibanna, thus the Eightfold Path is onward leading...so it is leading onwards."
In Buddhism, a person of any age, sex or caste can obtain the Upanayanam through refuge in the Triple Gem and practicing the Eightfold Path.
See also
- SamavartanamSamavartanamThe Samavartana , also known as ', is a Hindu sacramental ritual that was performed at the close of the Brahmacharya period and marked the end termination of the student life. It signifies a person's entry into grihastashrama....
- SikhaSikhaThe sikha or shikha is a Sanskrit word that refers to a long tuft, or lock of hair left on top or on the back of the shaven head of a male Orthodox Hindu...
- UpakarmaUpakarmaUpakarma called Veda Upaakarma or Avani Avittam or Jannivarada Hunnime is one of the ancient Vedic rituals practiced to date. The event is conducted once a year, in the month of Shraavana and all the Brahmins follow it...
- VarnasVarnasVarnas is the masculine form of a Lithuanian family name. Its feminine forms are: Varnienė and Varnytė .The surname may refer to:* Adomas Varnas , Lithuanian artist...
- BrahminBrahminBrahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
- Brahmin gotra systemBrahmin gotra systemThe word "gotra" means "lineage" in the Sanskrit language. Among those of the Brahmin caste, gotras are reckoned patrilineally. Each gotra takes the name of a famous Rishi or sage who was the patrilineal forebearer of that clan...
- PravarasPravarasLiterally, Pravara means the most excellent . Pravara is the number of the most excellent rishis who belonged to that particular gotra to which the wearer of sacred thread belongs. Gotra is the name of the founding father...
- RishiRishiRishi denotes the composers of Vedic hymns. However, according to post-Vedic tradition, the rishi is a "seer" to whom the Vedas were "originally revealed" through states of higher consciousness. The rishis were prominent when Vedic Hinduism took shape, as far back as some three thousand years...
- Shivalli Brahmins
- NavjoteNavjoteThe Navjote ceremony is the ritual through which an individual is inducted into the Zoroastrian religion and begins to wear the Sedreh and Kushti. The term navjote is used primarily by the Zoroastrians of India , while sedreh pushi is used primarily by the Zoroastrians of Iran...
, Zoroastrian initiation ceremony - KushtiKushtiKushti is the sacred girdle worn by Zoroastrians around their waists. Along with the Sedreh, the Kushti is part of the ritual dress of the Zoroastrians....
, the Zoroastrian sacred thread - Izze-klothIzze-klothThe Izze-kloth or Medicine cord is a sacred cord worn by Apache medicine men that is believed to confer strength and special powers of healing to the wearer. The izze-kloth is usually made from strands of animal hide and its length punctuated with beads and shells...
, the Apache Native American sacred cord - Bar and Bat Mitzvah -- Initiation ceremonies for men/women in JudaismJudaismJudaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...