Why is sacred thread worn by Brahmins?

Why is sacred thread worn by Brahmins?

The “sacred thread” or Yajñopavītam is worn by a brahmin boy after his Upanayana ceremony and is a symbol that the boy is ready to start learning vedas and performs Sandhyavandanam. The sacred white thread also known as Janaeu is a thin cord, donned by Brahmin boys after they reach the age of 12.

Is thread ceremony only for Brahmins?

1. What is the meaning of thread ceremony? Usually, castes like Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas hold a threading ceremony for the groom before his wedding. The ceremony is also called Yagnopavitra.

What does Twice-Born mean in Hinduism?

dvija
dvija, (Sanskrit: “twice-born”) in the Hindu social system, members of the three upper varnas, or social classes—the Brahmans (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors), and Vaishyas (merchants)—whose sacrament of initiation is regarded as a second or spiritual birth.

Why are upper class Hindus called twice-born?

In Hinduism, the highest three castes of Hindu society are known as the twice-born (Sanskrit द्विज : Dvija) because they have undergone the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana), in which male members are initiated into the second stage of life (ashrama) of a Vedic follower.

What is Upanayana Samskara?

Etymology. Upanayana (Sanskrit: उपनयन) literally means “the act of leading to or enlightment or near the eye”. It is an important and widely discussed samskara in ancient Sanskrit texts. The rite of passage symbolizes the leading or drawing towards the self of a child, in a school, by a teacher.

What is the meaning of sacred thread?

Definition of sacred thread : a cotton thread with which a Hindu youth of the three twice-born castes and some Sudras is invested at the ceremony of initiation (as at the age of from eight to twelve) and which is worn constantly thereafter from the left shoulder across the body to the right.

What is the purpose of the sacred thread ceremony?

The Sacred Thread ceremony is a ceremony for boys in some Hindu communities to confirm they are of an age to take on religious responsibility. Girls are sometimes honoured in the same way, but it is rare for them to receive and wear the thread.

Why Brahmins are called twice born?

The meaning of the two births The second ‘birth’ occurs when one takes up fulfilling a role in society, at the time of Upanayana initiation ceremony. For example, a Brahmin is initiated into school to study and pursue Brahmopadesha (preach, counsel) in the matter of the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality.

Why are Brahmins born twice?

In Hinduism, the highest three castes of Hindu society are known as the twice-born because they have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, in which male members are initiated into the second stage of life(ashrama) of a Vedic follower.

Which is regarded as the second Varna?

dvija, (Sanskrit: “twice-born”) in the Hindu social system, members of the three upper varnas, or social classes—the Brahmans (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors), and Vaishyas (merchants)—whose sacrament of initiation is regarded as a second or spiritual birth.

What does Upanayana mean?

upanayana, Hindu ritual of initiation, restricted to the three upper varnas, or social classes, that marks the male child’s entrance upon the life of a student (brahmacharin) and his acceptance as a full member of his religious community.

What is Upanayanam or sacred thread ceremony?

Upanayanam means to bring closer to the Guru or Divine. Upanayanam also known as the ‘sacred thread ceremony’ is performed to mark the commencement of formal education in the Vaidic tradition. It is an initiation process to learn the sacred Gayatri Mantra. Upanayanam ceremony includes the wearing of Yajnopavitam (sacred thread) on the body.

Is the Upanayana ceremony only for Brahmins?

Therefore it is not restricted to Brahmins only. Upanayana (उपनयन) literally means “the act of leading to or near”.It is a ceremony in which a Guru (teacher) accepts and draws a boy towards knowledge and initiates the second birth that is of the young mind and spirit.

What is Upanayanam and why is it important?

Upanayanam is one of the most important Samskārās. “Upa” means ‘close’ and “Nayanam” means ‘to bring’. Upanayanam means to bring closer to the Guru or Divine. Upanayanam also known as the ‘sacred thread ceremony’ is performed to mark the commencement of formal education in the Vaidic tradition.

What is Upanayana or yagno Pavit?

Upanayana or yagno pavit (sacred thread ceremony): This is essentially an initiation ritual that marks the transition of a child from the infantile stage of play to the serious stage of study and sadhana.