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Line 6: − + − Bharatiya dress decorum and decency required that the upper part of the body should be properly covered when one was engaged in yajnas, danas and svadhyaya.<ref name=":02" /><blockquote>उत्तरं वासः कर्तव्यं पञ्चस्वेषु कर्मसु । स्वाध्याय-उत्सर्ग-दानेषु भोजन-आचामयोस्तथा।। (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 2.3)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF Baudhayana Dharmasutras]</ref></blockquote>Yajnopavita denoted the upper garment when it was worn in the proper manner prescribed for sacred occasions. '''Taittriya samhita''' explicitly says that Yajnopavita means wearing the garment in a particular manner - when it is passed under the right and over the left shoulder, it becomes Yajnopavita as per the authority of Brahmana texts. The upper garment that was thus used was normally a, piece of cloth. But in prehistoric times when the art of spinning and weaving was not known, it was a piece of deer-skin. Taittriya Aranyaka states that it should be a piece of deer-skin, rather than a piece of cloth. <blockquote>अजिनं वासो वा दक्षिणत उपवीय। (Tait. Aran. 2.1.1)</blockquote>In the course of time when clothes became common the upper garment also became a cotton product, but earlier tradition of the deer-skin was, in a way preserved by continuing the use of a small patch of deer-skin on such occasions. In later times when Yajnopavita as a piece of cloth was replaced by Yajnopavita in the form of the thread, this piece of deer-skin was strung into it. This custom still continues at the time of Upanayana.<ref name=":02" /> − + − + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + − == Sacredness of Yajnopavita ==+ − यज्ञोपवीतं परमं पवित्रं प्रजापतेर्यत्स हजं पुरस्तात् । आयुष्यमग्र्यं प्रतिमुञ्च शुभ्रं यज्ञोपवीतं बलमस्तु तेजः । (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.2.11)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Paraskara Grhyasutras]</ref> − == Preparation of Yajnopavita ==+ − The grhyasutras further mention the procedure to make the yajnopavita. It is spun by a virgin Brahman girl from a specific kind of cotton and twisted by a Brahmana. In it as many knots are made as there are Pravaras amongst the ancestors of the wearer.+ Line 28:
Line 40: − '''Making of the''' '''Yajñopavītam''': The Yajñopavīta should have three threads of nine strands (tantus) well twisted for each thread. A Brahmacārī has to wear a single Yajñopavītam whereas a householder should wear two or three.
adding content
== Origin of Yajnopavita ==
== Origin of Yajnopavita ==
Early Vedic references such as Rigveda, mention about the Brahmachari and their characteristics. Yajnopavita by itself, during Upanayana, was insignificance in ancient times. It seems that '''the upper garment''' (a dupatta of northern India or the Uparane of Maharashtra) which was offered to the youth was the proto-type from which the sacred thread descended, though both the prototype (not used for yajnas) and the imitation (sacred thread) were retained by the later authorities during Upanayana samskara. Grammatically, Yajnopavita is an adjective and refers to something that was worn at the time of the yajna. यज्ञाय उपवीतं यज्ञोपवीतम्।<ref name=":02" />
Early Vedic references such as Rigveda, mention about the Brahmachari and their characteristics. Yajnopavita by itself, during Upanayana, was insignificance in ancient times. It seems that '''the upper garment''' (a dupatta of northern India or the Uparane of Maharashtra) which was offered to the youth was the proto-type from which the sacred thread descended, though both the prototype (not used for yajnas) and the imitation (sacred thread) were retained by the later authorities during Upanayana samskara. Grammatically, Yajnopavita is an adjective and refers to something that was worn at the time of the yajna. यज्ञाय उपवीतं यज्ञोपवीतम्।<ref name=":02" /> It is compound of two words यज्ञ (Yajna) and उपवीत (Upaveeta), 'meaning a thread which has been sanctified by yajna'.<ref name=":4">''Sanskarprakash'' by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. (Pages 175 - 192)</ref>
== Significance of Yajnopavita ==
In brahmachaya and grhastha ashramas, the shikha and yajopavita are to be maintained and can be removed only if the person accepts Sanyasa ashrama. As for the Grhastha and Vanaprastha ashrama dharmas, Katyayana smrti states that<blockquote>सदोपवीतिना भाव्यं सदा बद्धशिखेन च । विशिखो व्युपवीतश्च यत् करोति न तत्कृतम् ॥ (Katy. Smrt. Achara Adhyaya 1.4)</blockquote>Meaning: Yajnopavita should always be worn and the shikha has to be kept bound (in a specific way having the specified number of knots) or knotted. If shikha and the yajopavita are not present, whatever dharmik activities are undertaken they remain fruitless.
Bharatiya dress decorum and decency required that the upper part of the body should be properly covered when one was engaged in yajnas, danas and svadhyaya.<ref name=":02" /><blockquote>उत्तरं वासः कर्तव्यं पञ्चस्वेषु कर्मसु । स्वाध्याय-उत्सर्ग-दानेषु भोजन-आचामयोस्तथा।। (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 2.3)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF Baudhayana Dharmasutras]</ref></blockquote>Yajnopavita denoted the upper garment when it was worn in the proper manner prescribed for sacred occasions. '''Taittriya samhita''' explicitly says that Yajnopavita means wearing the garment in a particular manner - when it is passed under the right and over the left shoulder, it becomes Yajnopavita as per the authority of Brahmana texts. The upper garment that was thus used was normally a, piece of cloth. But in prehistoric times when the art of spinning and weaving was not known, it was a piece of deer-skin. Taittriya Aranyaka states that it should be a piece of deer-skin, rather than a piece of cloth. <blockquote>अजिनं वासो वा दक्षिणत उपवीय। (Tait. Aran. 2.1.1)</blockquote>In the course of time when clothes became common the upper garment also became a cotton product, but earlier tradition of the deer-skin was, in a way preserved by continuing the use of a small patch of deer-skin on such occasions. In later times when Yajnopavita as a piece of cloth was replaced by Yajnopavita in the form of the thread, this piece of deer-skin was strung into it. This custom still continues at the time of Upanayana.<ref name=":02" /> Some scholars regard that the custom of wearing Yajnopavita is ancient, since creation, with the creator Brahma wearing it.<ref name=":4" />
== About Yajnopavita ==
=== Significance ===
During upanayana the young boy has [[Special Attire of a Student during Upanayana (उपनयने विशेष-परिधानम्)|a special attire]] which include ajina, mounji etc but they are removed at the time of [[Samavartana (समावर्तनम्)|samavartana]] only the yajnopavita and shikha are not removed.<ref name=":4" /> In brahmachaya and grhastha ashramas, the shikha and yajopavita are to be worn and can be removed only if the person accepts Sanyasa ashrama. As for the Grhastha and Vanaprastha ashrama dharmas, Katyayana smrti states that<blockquote>सदोपवीतिना भाव्यं सदा बद्धशिखेन च । विशिखो व्युपवीतश्च यत् करोति न तत्कृतम् ॥ (Katy. Smrt. Achara Adhyaya 1.4)</blockquote>Meaning: Yajnopavita should always be worn and the shikha has to be kept bound (in a specific way having the specified number of knots) or knotted. If shikha and the yajnopavita are not present, whatever dharmik activities are undertaken they remain fruitless.<ref name=":4" />
Yajnopavita given to the young boy during Upanayana samskara also serves a sign of commitment to schooling and vedic education. It emphasizes that the person is on the path of learning for many years and should avoid all distractions. It is a constant reminder to stay on the track of self-discipline and recite the Gayatri Mantra received as Brahma Upadesham, from the father or Guru. The Gayatri mantra is powerful and the vibrations it causes in the body and in the surroundings rejuvenate the body and mind with positive energy keeping them in good health.
Yajnopavita given to the young boy during Upanayana samskara also serves a sign of commitment to schooling and vedic education. It emphasizes that the person is on the path of learning for many years and should avoid all distractions. It is a constant reminder to stay on the track of self-discipline and recite the Gayatri Mantra received as Brahma Upadesham, from the father or Guru. The Gayatri mantra is powerful and the vibrations it causes in the body and in the surroundings rejuvenate the body and mind with positive energy keeping them in good health.
Yajnopavita reminds him that in life one is always a student and has to seek knowledge required in the journey through the various phases of life with ease and relish. The thread, made of cotton yarn is changed every year on [[Upakarma (उपाकर्म)|Upakarma]], signifying a renewal of commitment.
Yajnopavita reminds the wearer that in life one is always a student and has to seek knowledge required in the journey through the various phases of life with ease and relish. The thread, made of cotton yarn is changed every year on [[Upakarma (उपाकर्म)|Upakarma]], signifying a renewal of commitment.<ref name=":12" /> It signifies that the onus of preserving the Vedas and Dharma and paying off the three rnas (debts) lie on the shoulders of the wearer. The formless Paramatma is termed Brahma while Paramatma with a form is termed 'Yajna' - to attain whom one acquires the adhikara by wearing the yajnopavita.<ref name=":4" /> <blockquote>यज्ञोपवीतं परमं पवित्रं प्रजापतेर्यत्सहजं पुरस्तात् । आयुष्यमग्र्यं प्रतिमुञ्च शुभ्रं यज्ञोपवीतं बलमस्तु तेजः । (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.2.11)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Paraskara Grhyasutras]</ref></blockquote>The Acharya, while investing the student with yajnopavita repeats this appropriate Mantra, emphasizing that yajnopavita is very sacred, created for performing auspicious activities worn by Brahma the creator himself and bestowing strength, long-life and illumination to the boy.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":4" />
In Smritiprakasha, the reason why Yajnopavita is also termed as Brahmasutra is explained.<blockquote>सूचनाद् ब्रह्मतत्त्वस्य वेदतत्त्वस्य सूचनात् । तत्सूत्रमुपवीतत्वाद् ब्रह्मसूत्रमिति स्मृतम्॥</blockquote>Meaning: this thread is a mark of knowledge of brahmatattva and vedas, hence it is said to be brahmasutra.<ref name=":4" />
=== Preparation ===
The grhyasutras further mention the procedure to make the yajnopavita. It is spun by the person himself, or a virgin Brahman girl or from a specific kind of cotton and twisted by a Brahmana. In it as many knots are made as there are Pravaras amongst the ancestors of the wearer.
The Yajnopavita is made up of three cords each of nine strands (tantus) well twisted with a knot for each thread. A Brahmacārī has to wear a single Yajñopavītam whereas a householder should wear two or three. The composition of Yajnopavita is full of symbolism and significance. Its length is ninetysix times as the breadth of the four fingers of a man, which is equal to his height. Each of the four fingers represents one of the four states the soul of a man experiences from time to time, namely, waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and absolute Brahmanhood. The three folds of the cord are also symbolical. They represent the three Gunas, reality, passion and darkness, out of which the whole universe is evolved. The care is taken that the twist of the thread must be upward. It was done, so that the Sattvaguna or the good quality of reality may predominate in a man, and so he may attain spiritual merits.<ref name=":12" /> The three cords are tied together by a knot called' Brahmagranthi, they are termed Brahmasutra, Savitasutra and Yajnasutra. Besides, extra knots are made in the cords to indicate the various Pravaras of a particular family.
Who wears a yajnopavita?
Number of sets to be worn
* A brahmachari can wear only one set
* A grhastha is given the privilege to wear two
== Positions of the Yajnopavita ==
== Positions of the Yajnopavita ==
#'''Prācīnāvītam''': This is opposite to Upavītam, i.e. the cord would sit on the right shoulder and hangs under the left hand. This position is to be used while performing any rite related to forefathers (Pitṛkarma).
#'''Prācīnāvītam''': This is opposite to Upavītam, i.e. the cord would sit on the right shoulder and hangs under the left hand. This position is to be used while performing any rite related to forefathers (Pitṛkarma).
#'''Nivītam / Saṃvītam''': The cord simply hangs from the neck and this position is for any human activity such as sleeping, nature's calls, sexual intercourse etc.
#'''Nivītam / Saṃvītam''': The cord simply hangs from the neck and this position is for any human activity such as sleeping, nature's calls, sexual intercourse etc.
== Reference ==
== Reference ==
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Education Series]]
[[Category:Education Series]]