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Yajnopavita (Samskrit: यज्ञोपवीतम्) is at present understood to be the sacred thread, that is to be worn by the dvijas (twice-born classes) from the time of the Upanayana ceremony onwards. The popular belief is that the Upanayana ceremony is primarily intended for investing the boy with this mysterious thread, and the [[Upakarma (उपाकर्म)|Upakarma]] (also called as Sravani ritual) ritual for the purpose of renewing it annually.<ref name=":02">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros., (Pages 294 - )</ref> Yajnopavita is the sacred cord invested to a pupil on the day of Upanayana.

जन्मना ब्राह्मणो ज्ञेयः संस्कारैर्द्विज उच्यते। विद्यया वापि विप्रत्वं त्रिभिः श्रोत्रिय उच्यते॥ (Brahma Purana)

== Significance of Yajnopavita ==
in the Sravana month the many Indians perform the thread changing ceremony. tpractice of wearing a sacred thread. On your Upanayanam, this thread is given to you as a sign of committing you to schooling, education. It is a way by which parents tell you that you are now entering a phase where you have to stay fully committed to learning, avoiding all distractions. The thread you wear acts as a constant reminder and helps you to make sure that you stay committed to the cause you have taken up and also to avoid all distractions, which may come in your wake. Also, during the upanayanam you would have received the first lesson, i.e., the Gayatri Mantra from your first guru, who is your father. This is the Brahma Upadesham, counsel on the cosmos, from the father. This Gayatri Mantra is to be recited at least twice a day, at dawn and dusk, the time windows in a day considered to be most conducive to learning. This 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 and thus protected.

This thread is like a school uniform and gives you a sense of identity. When you wear a school uniform, your mind automatically gets conditioned and constrained from indulging in acts that do not behoove school going children such as perhaps going to a bar, discotheque or movies with the uniform on, this thread also conditions the mind and keeps one focused in their mission. It is not only school uniform, any uniform be it that of a soldier, a policeman or a nurse, conditions one to conduct oneself in a manner specific to the category / institution they represent, when in that uniform. This thread is like that. In that vain of thought, this helps us to be centered to our commitment at hand. Similarly, when one gets married, there is an additional thread that gets added to the previous set. This is to condition one to stay on the path of societal norms of a married man who has to look after his family as well as support the community.
==Why do we need two sets of thread!==
The other set is to remind him that in life one is always a student and has to seek knowledge that can help one journey through the various phases of life with ease and relish. The thread is changed every year to renew our commitment. Further from the hygiene point of view as the thread is made from cotton yarn, it needs to be changed atleast once a year.

== 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>

== Importance of Yajnopavita ==
Post education the shikha and yajopavita continue to be maintained and are to 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: Yajopavita should always be worn and the shikha has to be kept bound (in a specific way having the knots) or knotted. If shikha and the yajopavita are not present, whatever dharmik activities are undertaken they remain fruitless.

== Positions of the Yajnopavita ==
The Yajñopavītam would have three positions.
#'''Upavītam''': The cord will be sitting on the left shoulder and hanging under the right hand. For all rites related to deities (Vedic) one should maintain Upavītam.
#'''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.
'''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.

== Reference ==
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Education Series]]

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 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 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" />
+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 Dharana 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" />
 === निर्माणम् ॥ Preparation ===
 The grhyasutras further mention the procedure to make the yajnopavita. A yajnopavita is spun either by the person himself, or a virgin Brahman girl or by a married lady from a specific kind of cotton and twisted by a Brahmana. Its length is ninetysix times as the breadth of the four fingers of a man, which is equal to his height. The three cords are tied together by a knot called' Brahmagranthi; the three individual cords are termed Brahmasutra, Savitasutra and Yajnasutra. Besides, extra knots are made in the cords to indicate the various Pravaras of a particular family. Then it is called as a Yajnopavita after being sanctified by the utterance of Pranava and Savitri mantras. Based on these aspects, a yajnopavita is prepared with utmost sanctity following all rules of soucha (purity).<ref name=":4" />
-The Yajnopavita is made up of three cords having a total of nine strands (tantus) well twisted with a knot for each cord (each cord has three strands). The composition of Yajnopavita is full of symbolism and significance.  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 Yajnopavita is made up of three cords having a total of nine strands (tantus) well twisted with a knot for each cord (each cord has three strands). Every tantu (one strand) has a deity associated with it. Devala has elaborated as follows<ref name=":1">Murthy, Narasimha. H. V. (1997) ''A Critical Study of Upanayana Samskara''. Mangalore: Canara College.</ref><blockquote>ॐङ्कारः प्रथमस्तन्तु-द्वितीयोऽग्निस्तथैव च । तृतीयो नागदेवत्यश्चतुर्थस्सोमदेवतः ।। पञ्चमः पितृदैवत्यष्षष्टश्चैव प्रजापतिः । सप्तमो वायुदेवत्यत्सूर्यश्चाष्टम एव च । नवमस्सर्वदेवत्य इत्येते नवतन्तवः ॥ (Smriti Chandrika Page 82)</blockquote>The nine devatas of nine tantus are given as Omkara, Agni, Naga, Soma, Pitr, Prajapati, Vayu, Surya, and all devatas.
 === धारणम् ॥ Wearing yajnopavita ===

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 == 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" /> 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>
 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" />
@@ Line 24: / Line 22: @@
 === 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 grhyasutras further mention the procedure to make the yajnopavita. A yajnopavita is spun either by the person himself, or a virgin Brahman girl or by a married lady from a specific kind of cotton and twisted by a Brahmana. Its length is ninetysix times as the breadth of the four fingers of a man, which is equal to his height. The three cords are tied together by a knot called' Brahmagranthi; the three knots are termed Brahmasutra, Savitasutra and Yajnasutra. Besides, extra knots are made in the cords to indicate the various Pravaras of a particular family. Then it is called as a Yajnopavita after being sanctified by the utterance of Pranava and Savitri mantras. Based on these aspects, a yajnopavita is prepared with utmost sanctity following all rules of soucha.<ref name=":4" />
-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.
+The Yajnopavita is made up of three cords each of nine strands (tantus) well twisted with a knot for each thread. The composition of Yajnopavita is full of symbolism and significance.  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" />
-Who wears a yajnopavita?
+=== Details about wearing yajnopavita ===
 Number of sets to be worn
 * A brahmachari can wear only one set
-* A grhastha is given the privilege to wear two
+* A grhastha and Vanaprastha is given the privilege to wear two
-== Positions of the Yajnopavita ==
+=== Positions of the Yajnopavita ===
-The Yajñopavītam would have three positions.
+The Yajñopavīta would have three positions.
 #'''Upavītam''': The cord will be sitting on the left shoulder and hanging under the right hand. For all rites related to deities (Vedic) one should maintain Upavītam.
 #'''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).

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == 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" />
 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" />
-== Sacredness of Yajnopavita ==
+Number of sets to be worn
-== Preparation of Yajnopavita ==
+* A brahmachari can wear only one set
-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.
+* A grhastha is given the privilege to wear two
 == Positions of the Yajnopavita ==
@@ Line 28: / Line 40: @@
 #'''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.
 == Reference ==
 [[Category:Samskaras]]
 [[Category:Education Series]]

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 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" />
-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.
+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" />
-'''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" />
+== Significance of Yajnopavita ==
-== Significance of Yajnopavita ==
+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.
-This thread is like a school uniform and gives you a sense of identity. When you wear a school uniform, your mind automatically gets conditioned and constrained  from indulging in acts that do not behoove school going children such as perhaps going to a bar,  discotheque or movies with the uniform on, this thread also conditions the mind and keeps one focused in their mission. It is not only school uniform, any uniform be it that of a soldier, a policeman or a nurse, conditions one to conduct oneself in a manner specific to the category / institution they represent, when in that uniform. This thread is like that. In that vain of thought, this helps us to be centered to our commitment at hand. Similarly, when one gets married, there is an additional thread that gets added to the previous set. This is to condition one to stay on the path of societal norms of a married man who has to look after his family as well as support the community.
+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.
 == 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>
-== Importance of Yajnopavita ==
+== Preparation of Yajnopavita ==
-Post education the shikha and yajopavita continue to be maintained and are to 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: Yajopavita should always be worn and the shikha has to be kept bound (in a specific way having the knots) or knotted. If shikha and the yajopavita are not present, whatever dharmik activities are undertaken they remain fruitless.
+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.
 == Positions of the Yajnopavita ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Yajnopavita (Samskrit: यज्ञोपवीतम्) is at present understood to be the sacred thread, that is to be worn by the dvijas (twice-born classes) from the time of the Upanayana ceremony onwards. The popular belief is that the Upanayana ceremony is primarily intended for investing the boy with this mysterious thread, and the [[Upakarma (उपाकर्म)|Upakarma]] (also called as Sravani ritual) ritual for the purpose of renewing it annually.<ref name=":02">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros., (Pages 294 - )</ref> Yajnopavita is the sacred cord invested to a pupil on the day of Upanayana.
+Yajnopavita (Samskrit: यज्ञोपवीतम्) is at present understood to be the sacred thread, that is to be worn by the dvijas (twice-born classes) from the time of the Upanayana ceremony onwards. The popular belief is that the [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]] ceremony is primarily intended for investing the boy with this mysterious thread, and the [[Upakarma (उपाकर्म)|Upakarma]] (also called as Shravani ritual) ritual for the purpose of renewing it annually.<ref name=":02">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros., (Pages 294 - )</ref> Yajnopavita is the sacred cord invested to a student on the day of Upanayana and has to be worn at all times till the end of his life, unless he takes the [[Sannyasashrama (सन्न्यासाश्रमः)|Sanyasa]] Ashrama.
-जन्मना ब्राह्मणो ज्ञेयः संस्कारैर्द्विज उच्यते। विद्यया वापि विप्रत्वं त्रिभिः श्रोत्रिय उच्यते॥ (Brahma Purana)
+In modern times, the Upanayana samskara came to be addressed as Yajnopavita samskara. Although none of the grhyasutras contain the prescription of investing the yajnopavita, later textual authorities, mention this rite as an important part of the samskara after tying the mekhala (girdle) to the boy undergoing Upanayana.<ref name=":12">Pandey, Raj Bali. (1949) ''Hindu Samskaras, A Socio-religious study of the Hindu Sacraments.'' Banaras: Vikrama Publications. (Pages 224-227)</ref>
 == Significance of Yajnopavita ==
-in  the Sravana month the many Indians perform the thread changing ceremony. tpractice of wearing a sacred thread. On your Upanayanam, this thread is given to you as a sign of committing you to schooling, education. It is a way by which parents tell you that you are now entering a phase where you have to stay fully committed to learning, avoiding all distractions. The thread you wear acts as a constant reminder and helps you to make sure that you stay committed to the cause you have taken up and also to avoid all distractions, which may come in your wake. Also, during the upanayanam you would have received the first lesson, i.e., the Gayatri Mantra from your first guru, who is your father. This is the Brahma Upadesham, counsel on the cosmos, from the father. This Gayatri Mantra is to be recited at least twice a day, at dawn and dusk, the time windows in a day considered to be most conducive to learning. This 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 and thus protected.
+Upanayanam, this thread is given to you as a sign of committing you to schooling, education. It is a way by which parents tell you that you are now entering a phase where you have to stay fully committed to learning, avoiding all distractions. The thread you wear acts as a constant reminder and helps you to make sure that you stay committed to the cause you have taken up and also to avoid all distractions, which may come in your wake. Also, during the upanayanam you would have received the first lesson, i.e., the Gayatri Mantra from your first guru, who is your father. This is the Brahma Upadesham, counsel on the cosmos, from the father. This Gayatri Mantra is to be recited at least twice a day, at dawn and dusk, the time windows in a day considered to be most conducive to learning. This 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 and thus protected.
 This thread is like a school uniform and gives you a sense of identity. When you wear a school uniform, your mind automatically gets conditioned and constrained  from indulging in acts that do not behoove school going children such as perhaps going to a bar,  discotheque or movies with the uniform on, this thread also conditions the mind and keeps one focused in their mission. It is not only school uniform, any uniform be it that of a soldier, a policeman or a nurse, conditions one to conduct oneself in a manner specific to the category / institution they represent, when in that uniform. This thread is like that. In that vain of thought, this helps us to be centered to our commitment at hand. Similarly, when one gets married, there is an additional thread that gets added to the previous set. This is to condition one to stay on the path of societal norms of a married man who has to look after his family as well as support the community.