Santana Dharma endorses Shodasa Samskaras, the
sixteen sacraments that serve as rites of passage to bring positive impressions
in the mind of an individual. Upanayana is the tenth in this series which is
performed at a young age to provide “new vision” Upa Nayana are two words “Upa”
is additional “Nayana” is eye…a la Third Eye, so that one can perceive things
in a proper way and learn to discriminate what is wrong and right in terms of
thought, word and deed.
It is a ritual which is performed at the young age
by initiating the mother of all mantras, the “GAYATRI MAHA MANTRA.”As a
symbolic gesture a thin consecrated cord, composed of distinct three cotton
strands is donned which is called “Yajnopavita?” This Sanskrit word is a
combination of three words “Yagya” meaning best action, “Upa” meaning near and
“Pavita” meaning cherished. So, one who dons “Yajnopavita” pledges to do the
best of the best action. It is a strong motivation to follow the very pious and
sacred of ideals. This sacred thread is worn starting from left shoulder
passing over the heart and going backwards near the right side of the trunk and
ending in a knot. Left shoulder is the base for carrying the load of life with
tolerance. Heart is the point of determination and faith. Back is a symbol of
commitment. Thus the sacred thread represents the sadhana of the purest of pure
with determination, courage, faith, commitment and a spirit of toleration.
Now let’s understand the significance of the three
strands in the sacred thread. Every human is in debt to his Pitru (parents and
ancestors who are the cause for his existence), his Guru (preceptor who
provided him knowledge) and Rishi (sages who have given him priceless
scriptures to comprehend the Art of Living). Each strand of the scared thread reminds
about the vow he needs to take to clear those debts. The debt of Pitru is
repaid when he becomes the strength of his parents during old age, the Guru
debt is fulfilled when the knowledge assimilated is shared and Rishi debt is
cleared when the nature is protected. And after his marriage the number of
strands increases to six as takes responsibility of his wife vows too.
This day the Shravana Purnima is the day to change
the sacred thread annually. It is symbolic to change on this day as it was on
this day Hayagriva appeared to restore Vedas which were stolen from Brahma by
the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha. But methodically this is the day to re-read
the scriptures again to acquire the knowledge from a different dimension.
Hayagriva is the embodiment of knowledge and hence it is consider auspicious to
continue gaining a divergent knowledge by renewing that sacred thread.
I would just wish to add that the “Yajnopavita” is
not a sign to boast superiority it just signifies the transition of a person.
Donning the sacred thread without knowing its relevance is like participating
in a Fancy Dress show. No one is born a Brahmin, all are Sudras at birth and
the character and past resultant fruit of action makes an individual a
Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya or a Shudra. Every individual be it a Sudra or a
Brahmana or a Kshatriya or a Vaishya he is important to the well-being of the
society this is what our Vedas and Puranas say. Due to some ignorant people the
original essence is lost today while the meaningless ritualistic tradition
still continues. Many who are born in a Brahmin family wear this sacred thread
and use it as key bunch and just by wearing a thread does not make one a
Brahmin, but knowledge does and his love and compassion he has towards his
fellow beings has.
May Lord Hayagriva bestow us all with Supreme
Knowledge to enhance love and compassion in all of us.
