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Upanayana (Samskrit : उपनयनम्) is one of the most significant of the [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|Educational Samskaras]] as well as the sixteen [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]]. It marks the entry of the initiate into the most important journey of life, the first of the four Ashramas, namely the [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]. The connection of the Saṁskāras with [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varna and Āśramas]] in the sense of duty has been established by many authors and historians.     

Upanayana (Samskrit : उपनयनम्) is one of the most significant of the [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|Educational Samskaras]] as well as the sixteen [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]]. It marks the entry of the initiate into the most important journey of life, the first of the four Ashramas, namely the [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]. The connection of the Saṁskāras with [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varna and Āśramas]] in the sense of duty has been established by many authors and historians.     

This samskara is called Brahmopadesha because the child is given the upadesha of Gayatri mantra which prepares him for the study of vedas, or in more modern terms the child enters the schooling phase of life ([[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]). It is also called Yajnopavita samskara as the initiate is invested with the sacred thread that marks a Dvija.  [[File:Upanayana article version.jpg|thumb|731x731px|'''<big>Upanayana Samskara</big>''']]

This samskara is called Brahmopadesha because the child is given the upadesha of Gayatri mantra which prepares him for the study of vedas, or in more modern terms the child enters the schooling phase of life ([[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]). It is also called Yajnopavita samskara as the initiate is invested with the sacred thread that marks a Dvija.   

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The Upanayana, unlike other Saṁskāras was the popular one which is widely referred in the sources of ancient Indian history. It aims at the transformation of an individual from an animalistic state into a responsible human being. Children at birth are a bundle of needs and wants, where the mind, intellect, personality and individuality are not developed in them. A child is unaware of its responsibility towards the family, community, society, and the nation. As the child reaches fifth year of age, it develops a self-awareness and identity in the society. At this juncture if proper guidance is given to mold the child's intellect by impressing it with values of life, it learns to relate itself in a healthy way to family, community and society at large. It is a point which also heralds the arrival of youth so an occasion to mark the event by solemn ceremonies. Education starts with the impartment of such values in a child and his educational career is filled with observation of certain sets of rites and rituals grouped under the name of Upanayana Samskara.<ref name=":1">Murthy, Narasimha. H. V. (1997) ''A Critical Study of Upanayana Samskara''. Mangalore: Canara College.</ref>

The Upanayana, unlike other Saṁskāras was the popular one which is widely referred in the sources of ancient Indian history. It aims at the transformation of an individual from an animalistic state into a responsible human being. Children at birth are a bundle of needs and wants, where the mind, intellect, personality and individuality are not developed in them. A child is unaware of its responsibility towards the family, community, society, and the nation. As the child reaches fifth year of age, it develops a self-awareness and identity in the society. At this juncture if proper guidance is given to mold the child's intellect by impressing it with values of life, it learns to relate itself in a healthy way to family, community and society at large. It is a point which also heralds the arrival of youth so an occasion to mark the event by solemn ceremonies. Education starts with the impartment of such values in a child and his educational career is filled with observation of certain sets of rites and rituals grouped under the name of Upanayana Samskara.<ref name=":1">Murthy, Narasimha. H. V. (1997) ''A Critical Study of Upanayana Samskara''. Mangalore: Canara College.</ref>