Changes

Upakarma (Samskrit: उपाकर्म) refers to the commencement of education (at the beginning of the educational year) by the teachers and students in olden days. In the present times it is associated with the day when dvijas (one who has undergone [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]]) change [[Yajnopavita (यज्ञोपवीतम्)|yajnopavita]] annually and refresh their commitment for the study of vedas.

Upakarma (Samskrit: उपाकर्म) refers to the commencement of education (at the beginning of the educational year) by the teachers and students in olden days. In the present times it is associated with the day when dvijas (one who has undergone [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]]) change [[Yajnopavita (यज्ञोपवीतम्)|yajnopavita]] annually and refresh their commitment for the study of vedas.

== Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

One of the important [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|educational samskaras]], Upakarma is practiced by many [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmanas]] on the Shravana purnima day and other prescribed days as per the Veda shaka they belong to. Since this ritual happens in the month of Shravana, it came to be called Shravani. It a relatively modern term for this ritual. In early times on this day Upakarma and worship of  Nagadevatas happened on the full moon day of Shravana masa; later the name referred to Upakarma rituals when worshipping nagadevatas went out of vogue.<ref name=":0" /> As we observe various [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|educational samskaras]] we are instantly drawn to the holistic nature of the ancient education system having a sequential format viz., teaching the alphabet, marking the time of intellectual transformation by formal entry into Vedic studies, defining the duties and qualities of a brahmachari, the rationale behind the annual commencement and cessation of academic session, disciplining oneself with veda vratas, [[Anadhyayana (अनध्ययनम्)|anadhyayana]] or holiday structure, subjects of studies, instructions on completion of vedic studies and preparation to formally enter the worldly affairs. Another striking feature is the entwining of nature, family, and society with the educational system. A child gets trained in the theory as well as the practical sections of education allowing the scope and time for creative development. Promoting qualities such as time management, humility, inclination to become self sufficient, participation in community service, constant review and committing to memory, self discipline, habit formation, observation and attention to detail are some hidden ramifications in-built in such a system of education.

One of the important [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|educational samskaras]], Upakarma is practiced by many [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmanas]] on the Shravana purnima day and other prescribed days as per the Veda shaka they belong to. Since this ritual happens in the month of Shravana, it came to be called Shravani. It a relatively modern term for this ritual. In early times on this day Upakarma and worship of  Nagadevatas happened on the full moon day of Shravana masa; later the name referred to Upakarma rituals when worshipping nagadevatas went out of vogue.<ref name=":0" /> As we observe various [[Educational Samskaras (विद्याभ्याससंस्काराः)|educational samskaras]] we are instantly drawn to the holistic nature of the ancient education system having a sequential format viz., teaching the alphabet, marking the time of intellectual transformation by formal entry into Vedic studies, defining the duties and qualities of a brahmachari, the rationale behind the annual commencement and cessation of academic session, disciplining oneself with veda vratas, [[Anadhyayana (अनध्ययनम्)|anadhyayana]] or holiday structure, subjects of studies, instructions on completion of vedic studies and preparation to formally enter the worldly affairs. Another striking feature is the entwining of nature, family, and society with the educational system. A child gets trained in the theory as well as the practical sections of education allowing the scope and time for creative development. Promoting qualities such as time management, humility, inclination to become self sufficient, participation in community service, constant review and committing to memory, self discipline, habit formation, observation and attention to detail are some hidden ramifications in-built in such a system of education.

Sanatana Dharma has many activities associated with every stage of life intricately woven with nature and divinity. One such is the system of education and timing with nature. With the onset of rains, since the life style was primarily agrarian, people were engaged in activities of farming. Maintaining cows both for havya and kavya (offerings to devatas and forefathers) was considered a sacred requirement. Every season had its significant events and worship associated with it. The months of Shravana and Bhadrapada (usually around August and September) fall into the rainy season during which time students return to their annual study session. In the [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukula]] system where the students remain in their teacher's households also refreshed their course material during this time.<ref name=":0" />   

Sanatana Dharma has many activities associated with every stage of life intricately woven with nature and divinity. One such is the system of education and timing with nature. With the onset of rains, since the life style was primarily agrarian, people were engaged in activities of farming. Maintaining cows both for havya and kavya (offerings to devatas and forefathers) was considered a sacred requirement. Every season had its significant events and worship associated with it. The months of Shravana and Bhadrapada (usually around August and September) fall into the rainy season during which time students return to their annual study session. In the [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukula]] system where the students remain in their teacher's households also refreshed their course material during this time.<ref name=":0" />