Why do Brahmins use sacred thread?

At the very root of this lies the seemingly harmless janeu, the sacred thread worn primarily by Brahmins. It signifies the rite of passage from boy to man, and more importantly, the dvija or ‘twice born’.

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 do we do Upanayanam?

Upanayana ritual symbolises the end of an era in a boy’s life and the initiation into another. With this ceremony, a boy leaves his childhood, proceeds to become a man, and follows the path of getting knowledge. But, in modern times, this ritual can be conducted when a man gets married.

Can Brahmins remove sacred thread?

If there is need, then one can wind the thread around the right ear, as it is considered that the right ear of a Brahmin is pure. (Quora User’s answer to Why do Brahmins tie the sacred white thread around their ear pinna while urinating?) Under no circumstances should the sacred thread ever be removed.

Who conducts the sacred thread ceremony?

A guru is a spiritual teacher and the Upanayana is about taking shelter from your guru. The guru (often this is the boy’s father) whispers a special prayer into the boy’s ear. The boy must say it three times every day. It marks the beginning of a religious lifestyle.

When can the sacred thread be removed?

The sacred thread (yagnyopavita or janeu) is received by the boy during this ceremony, that he continues wearing from left shoulder to the right crossing the chest thereafter. Generally this ceremony should be done before the age of 16.

Do Brahmins only wear Janeu?

Janeu (white thread) is worn by every Hindu Brahmin of India. Wearing the sacred thread called the “Janeu” is the most important rite in Hinduism. Besides the Brahmin, Janeu is also worn by the other Hindu castes.

Why upanayanam ceremony is important for Brahmins?

Upanayanam Ceremony is a very important tradition among the Brahmins. The sacred thread is also worn by some Kshatriyas and Vaishya’s. A Brahmin is also called a ‘Dwija’ which means the one who is born twice.

Why do Kshatriya and Brahmin boys wear holy thread?

It is mandatory for the Kshatriya and the Brahmin boys to wear this sacred thread. The ceremony is usually performed when the child is ready for schooling. The holy thread is given to the child as a reminder to the commitment that the child would stay completely committed to education and learning, avoiding all distractions.

Why do Brahmins wear Janeu (white thread)?

Janeu (white thread) is worn by every Hindu Brahmin of India. Wearing the sacred thread called the ‘Janeu’ is the most important rites for Hindus. Besides the Brahmins, Janeo thread is also worn by the Vaishyas and Kshatriyas. Hinduism has various traditions and rituals which keep the religion alive.

What is the meaning of a Brahmins?

A Brahmin is also called a Dwija that means the one who is born twice. A boy is said to be born again when you perform Upanayanam Samskara. A sacred thread called Janeu or Yajnopaveetam is placed around the left shoulder of the boy.