Upanayanam: Encyclopedia - Upanayanam

Upanayanam

Upanayanam (from upa: auxiliary and nayanam: eye) literally means bringing (the ultimate truth) nearer in sight. This ceremony is called Munja in the state of Maharashtra. Its origin lies in worship of Munja, a deity on the Pipal tree. This deity is a bachelor and is worshipped throughout Maharashtra. As per Indian traditions, the Pipal tree represents knowledge. This is the origin of the ceremony. The sacred thread was added later on. Upanayan has got one more meaning that Upa na(over/above) yan am(it is) in Marathi. It means it is above (the shoulder).

Today, this is the name given to the ceremony performed to young boys of 7+ years of age (and girls in some sects), born of the Dwija castes in the Hindu system. The youngster, with a basic Vedic learning, is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through Brahmopadesam (Preaching/Advising on the nature of Brahman - The Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra. He then becomes qualified for a life as a student or Brahmacharya, as prescribed in the Manusmriti.

The hallmark of having gone through the Upanayanam is the wearing of a Sacred Thread on the body. This is a circular thread made of three, six or nine strands, depending on whether the boy is a bachelor (which he is at the time of the ceremony) or married, or has lost his father. This sacred thread is changed to a new one once a year. It is supposed to be worn by all Brahmins for the rest of their lives after the Upanayanam ceremony. It is called a Janevu in Hindi, Odugu in Telugu, and Poonal in Tamil.

In modern India, this practice is changing as many modern westernised youth do not wear the thread . It is of course noticeable only among members of the Brahmin communities of the south and few Brahmins of north India.

Category: Hindu traditions

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Upanayanam", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki