Every male child born in certain Hindu communities has to go through the Upanayana ritual. Upanayana is also known as Munji,
Brahmopadesham (supreme teaching), and Sacred thread ceremony. The Yagnopavitha / Janivara / Sacred thread / Janoi is worn as a symbol of having gone through this ceremony. The sacred thread signifies the following:
- the one who wears it should be pure in thought, word, and action
- remember the debt that is owed to the guru, parents, and society
- that everything in the universe is created by Brahma and merges with Brahma
- that the 3 activities of speech, action and thought should be one, which is a constant reminder to be truthful and straightforward
Usually for Brahman it is performed in the eighth year, for Kshatriya in the eleventh year, and Vaishya in the twelfth year. After this ceremony, the vatu / boy is ready to lead a life of Brahmacharya (disciplined and controlled living) to study the vedas, participate in vedic functions, perform Sandhyavandana, and other rituals. In earlier days, the boy used to leave home to the gurukula / residential school. The Upanayana ritual is marked by shaving a part of the head, overcoming of maternal love, and symbolic begging.
The father is considered the spiritual guru who initiates the boy into Gayatri Mantra on this day with Agni / fire god as the witness. To signify the sanctity of the ritual, it is performed under the cover of a sacred cloth.
Gayatri is the most powerful of the mantras, which invokes supreme god. The father prays for strength and long life for the boy. The Palasha branch given to the boy to hold makes him the guardian of the Vedas.
Sun plays a very important role in the ritual, and the boy prays to Sun god to bless him to discharge his duties promptly, attain virtue, be punctual, and to be meticulous.
Some of the rituals during Upanayana are:
Devarasamaradhane:
The family god is worshipped on this day and traditional festive food is prepared and served to guests.
Hoovilya:
Married women are given Mangala drowya / sacred items by the mother of the vatu.
Naandi:
This ritual is performed to get the blessings of the ancestors.
Mathru Bhojana:
For the last time, the boy is fed by his mother and both of them eat from the same plate. 5 boys, who have had their Upanayana joins them in this bhojana sealing his friendship with the other boys.
Bhikshe:
Vatu begs for bhikshe / alms by saying Bhavati Bhikshamdehi (or Bhavan Bhikshamdidhatu) from his mother and the other ladies. The
guests reciprocate by showering the Vatu with gifts. Bhikshe was the practice in the ancient gurukulas / residential schools, where the boy led his life by taking alms.
Abhivadaye Namaskaram:
The boy introduces himself and pays obeisance to the elders seeking their blessings.
