Sacred Thread
The Yajnopavitham or Sacred thread is a symbol of purity, so necessary for you to participate in the Yajna of living. The word Upanayana, which has been given to this ceremony of Initiation means, the conferment of another eye. Upanayanam -- This is a significant event in the life of a Brahamin boy whose duty is to serve the God. On this auspicious day the child is being blessed and prayed for. He is being told and directed by the Guru for the start of his spiritual life. The observation of bachelor hood and the purity of life to be observed are directed. For this, that is to control himself and to defend himself in this Maya world, he is being assisted and given the necessary blessing, teaching and looked after by the Guru. He is being shown the real spiritual life that has to be lead. This preparation of spiritual life - the opening of the heart towards the spiritual path is 'Upanayanam'.
The following ceremonies are performed to mark the event:
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Vigneeswara Pooja
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Blessing from Lord Ganesha and Nirvigna Prayer. (To avert obstructions)
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Uthaga Shanthi - Purification of water and the place.
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Purification of Soul (Anthakarnam), Conscience preparation of Pachakavviyam.
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Preparation for Upanayanam, Yagnopaveetham and blessing of the child by Guru.
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The child's father calls for the blessings from the forefathers and mothers of his family towards his son to observe the spiritual life and to assist him to observe the same attain the real happiness in this world. This is called 'Naanthimuga Sirartham'.
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Thus purified Yagnopaveetham (Holy thread) be blessed by the Guru, Parents of the child and by the audience.
The Guru glorify the Yagnopaveetham for the child pertaining to his birth date star, lagna, Gothram, name etc. Yagnopaveetham is made of pure white cotton thread which signifies the power of purity, longevity of life, first in everything and specially self control. This has been born along with Brahma. Guru make the child to wear this holy Yagnopaveetham. This gives the child brightness and courage necessary for the spiritual world.
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The child have meal prepared by mother along with bachelor colleague made of rice with ghee and milk. Guru chants the schlogams for this ceremony in significance of his bachelor hood.
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To obey the words of Brahma and to preserve the purity of bachelor hood, the hairs on the head are removed.
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The Guru tells the child about the bachelor hood and the benefits that he drives from the same. Child takes the blessing of the Fire God, the Sun God. Sun has the power of burning all evils and the Guru request him to assist the child to observe purity.
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The child stands on the black granite stone and bow to God and pray. This testify that the child`s will, like the hard stone will be hard and prevent any non spiritual ideas and means.
The clothing of the child in the said stone marks the event that Brahma will guard him like the cloth that guards him now. The tying of the rope made of tharpai grass around shows the event of being away from the worldly happiness. The wearing of the deer skin to the holy thread specify that Sun God will look after the child to his purity and prosperity.
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Hasthakirakanam - Blessing by the Guru.
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Upanayana Homam - There are eleven sloogams and these are recited by the Guru and the child. Ghee is offered to the Fire God.
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Jayathi Homam - This is performed to glorify the event by the Guru.
Bramopathesam - Praying for the blessing of the Nine Planets. Guru by holding the father, mother and the child together under the cover of white silk cloth, the child being given known the Gayathiri mantharams.
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Worship of the Sun God.
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Guru direct the child to the path of life he has to lead in the future. He is being directed to follow the principles of spiritual life.
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Receiving Arms - Receiving the offerings made by the Guru, parents and well-wishers. This even shows how he should lead the spiritual life from the offerings of others.
- Blessings