In today's thread let me narrate some details about the Poonool (in tamil , or Jenu ( in Hindi ).
Why it's worn
Significance
Meaning
Importance &
Who wears it.
Why it's worn
Significance
Meaning
Importance &
Who wears it.
It all starts with Upanayana (the sacred thread wearing ceremony ) . The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is made of Upa and Nayanam. (vision through knowledge). or it can also be read as (upa + nayathi ) taking one near God.
A Bhramana is also called as twice born " Dwijan" .first being born on the earth with physical body and second being "taking one near to wisdom". through this upanayana ceremony. During this ceremony one is known to get his second birth.
Essentially it has two parts. First is the investiture of the three stranded thread called Yagjnopaveetham. The second part is the Brahmmobadesam - imparting knowledge of the Bhraman- a recitation into his right ear the Gayathri mantra. This is usually performed by his father.
Normal age to perform Upanayanam:between 7 & 15 years..generally odd running year is taken.If performed after the age of 15 years, then no need to stick to this rule. Best period for performing the ritual is during the Tamil month Maasi,which fall during Mid February to Mid March
During the Upanayana ceremony : father the moola guru transfers some of his powers from his sacred thread to that of his son. The Youngster is thus, made eligible to be taken near the Vedas, so that he can study them and practice what is ordained upon him, in the Vedas
The Upanayam ceremony has two initial stages. THe Upaveetham involves the investiture of the sacred thread which is a three stranded loop with a consecrated knot (Brahmagranthi), The Upaveetham thread is known as Yagnjopaveetham in acknowledgement that the Lord of Yagna is Vishnu
The second part is the Brahmmobadesam ,wherein Gayathri mantra is imparted to the boy & he enters bhramacharya life. And from this day, he begins his routine Sandhya Vandanam - a regular prayer done thrice a day - during Morning, Noon & in the Evening.
The boy also starts to perfom the Samitha Dhanam, a holy fire sacrifice, which he is supposed to perform daily.The boy is being prepared with mentally and physically to take the Brahmmacharyam through the recitals and also with cleansing him with the Holy water.
Then comes the Panchacavyam - a combination of Cow's Urine, Milk, Curd, and the holy water and mixed after recitals of specific Slokas & Mantras to purify the boys body & soul. Then the naandhi srardham is performed the day previous to the upanayanam
Naadi srardham is a very important requirement is stressed by the administering priest/aacharya- manasamaadheeyataam, to Compose the boys mind! This is a pre-condition for receiving instruction, retaining and practicing it.
The sacred thread is a passport to obtain Vedic education. It is a prerequisite for learning Veda and also for marriage. For without it, in those days, no Brahmin man can dream of getting a bride for him
It was considered important because a person with Yajnopavitha must have undergone all the oaths associated with wearing it and should have led a celibate life and should have completed a major portion of his Vedic Sastras and education.
A Brahmachari known as bachelor wears a single sacred thread that has three strands. A married person wears a pair of three bands each
Now let me come to another aspect of this sacred thread. During the upanayanam ceremony, the nine khanda rishis are invoked into the sacred thread & they get into the sacred knot Brahmagranthi in the sacred thread.
To be continued
