Dear Family,
Subhamasthu!
Dear Bandhus,
On this sacred occasion of Upakarma or Avani Avittam, let us
pause and reflect upon the mahātva – the profound significance – of the
Yajnopavītam, the sacred thread that adorns every Dwija (twice-born).
*Why do we wear the Sacred Thread – the Yajnopavītam*?
The Upanayanam samskāra is not merely a social function, but a spiritual
rebirth (Dvitiya Janma), wherein the child becomes a Vatu, initiated into
Brahmavidya – the knowledge of the Self. The sacred thread symbolizes readiness
to pursue the path of knowledge, purity, and discipline. 🧵
The thread (sutra) is placed across the left shoulder and under the right arm –
not arbitrarily, but precisely across the hridaya-sthāna (heart region) and
mārga of vital energies. As prescribed by the Smritis: >
“Yajnopavītam paramam pavitram, prāṇa-swarūpam,
prabhum īśam avyayam…” (It is supremely pure, representing the life force, the
divine Lord Himself.)
🕉️ *The Three Strands –
What do they Mean?* Each strand in the Yajnopavītam carries rich symbolic
value: 1. ऋजुता
(Rujutā) – Purity of Manas (mind) 2. वाच्यता
(Vāchyatā) – Truth in Vāk (speech) 3. कायशुद्धि (Kāya Shuddhi) – Discipline in Karma
(action) Alternatively, they represent the three debts (Ṛṇa-trayam): Pitru Ṛṇa – Debt to ancestors
Rishi Ṛṇa – Debt to
sages Deva Ṛṇa –
Debt to deities Wearing the thread is an acceptance of these Ṛṇas and a pledge to fulfill
them through righteous living.
🔬 *The Subtle Science and
Energy Connection* The Yajnopavītam is no mere thread – it is an
energetic harness. It passes through key nāḍis
and marmasthānas, promoting alignment of prāṇa.
The pressure across the left shoulder and chest subtly regulates the
Ida-Pingala nāḍis,
balancing mental and physical energies. It acts like a yantra – a sacred
geometry placed on the body, promoting harmony, mindfulness, and spiritual
alertness.
🔁 *Why is it Changed
Annually – Significance of Upākarmanam?* During Avani Avittam, we change
the thread and recite the Mahā Sankalpam, where we declare: >
“Yajnopavītadhāraṇam
karishye” (I shall now adorn the sacred thread again.) The old thread is
discarded with humility, recognizing the doshas (flaws) accumulated over the
past year. The new thread represents: A fresh resolve to pursue Satyam,
Shivam, Sundaram. A spiritual renewal akin to chaitanya (recharging the
life force). A cleansing of karma and thought patterns, as we recommit to
our nitya karmas like Sandhyāvandanam. This ritual is timed with the
movement of the sun in Dakshinayana – a phase for inner growth and austerity.
🙏 *Beyond the Ritual –
Understanding the Spirit* In the rush of modern life, many perform these
rituals mechanically. But as Rishis taught: > “Na karmaṇām anārambhān naiṣkarmyaṁ puruṣośhnute…” (One does not
attain perfection by mere non-performance or blind ritual.) Let us
therefore: Understand the intent behind the practice. Live the
values it signifies: humility, learning, service, and devotion. Be proud
torchbearers of our paramparā, not just by outer symbols but inner
chitta-shuddhi (purity of mind). 🕉️ Yajnopavītam na tu
kevalam dhāranam, kintu jīvana-sutraḥ
– The sacred thread is not merely to be worn — it is the thread of life,
purpose, and Dharma. Let us wear it with reverence, maintain it with
purity, and live by the light of the Gayatri.
Gayatri māta ki jaya! Vedamāta Bharati ki jaya!
Hari Om 🕉️ Tat Sat
Be blissful.
S.Sekar - On a Spiritual path; Cat has nine lives but I have
only one Blogsite: ssekar.blogspot.com
