Upanayanam

Upanayanam (from upa: auxiliary and nayanam: eye) literally means bringing (the ultimate truth) nearer in sight.

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This ceremony is called as in the state of Maharashtra.Its origin lies in worship of munja, a deity on Pipal tree.This deity is a bachelor and is worshipped through out Maharashtra.As per Indian traditions,Pipal tree represents knowledge.This is the origin of the ceremony.Thread was invented later on .Upanayan has got one more meaning that Upa na(over/above) yan am( it is) as per marathi.It means it is above(the shoulder).

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Afterwards ,it 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.

Related Topics:
Dwija - Caste - Hindu

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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.

Related Topics:
Vedic - Brahmopadesam - Gayatri - Mantra

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He then becomes qualified for a life as a student or Brahmacharya, as prescribed in the Manusmriti.

Related Topics:
Brahmacharya - Manusmriti

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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 had his first child. 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 has been done. It is called a Janevu in Hindi, and Poonal in Tamil.

Related Topics:
Hindi - Tamil

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In modern India, this practice has all but vanished from the Hindu society and is noticeable only among members of the Brahmin communities of the south and few Brahmins of north India.

Related Topics:
India - Brahmin

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