Yagyopaveet - Upnayan Sanskaar

What is Yagyopavit/Janeou/ Holy Thread ? How do I use it?

'Yagyopaveet' is a symbol of the righteous path and divine protection. At birth, a human being is as good or as bad as an animal. It is only through the rites of initiation (Diksha sanskars), that he truly becomes a human being. Yagyopaveet is granted to the initiates during personal Diksha sessions. Diksha is the second birth of the person after destruction of his past sins.

Yagyopaveet also signifies one bound in duty (vrat bandhan). After performing this rite a man is bound by certain rules. This sacred thread infuses longevity and strength into a person's life.

The three strands of the thread are symbolical. They represent the three Gunas (qualities) namely Sattva , Rajas and Tamas. The three strands remind the wearer that he has to pay off his debt to the ancient seers, his ancestors and the gods. He is to honour his parents and elders and has started on the path of spiritual and material upliftment.

You should  wear it during any auspicious moment, sadhana and on the auspicious days.

The Yagyopaveet is ritualistically maintained :

1. A man should wear the sacred thread hanging from his right shoulder.

2. It should be lifted and the upper part should be put behind ears when a person goes for his daily ablutions or doing impure tasks. It should be put back properly on shoulder only after one has purified himself by washing etc..

3. Both males and females can wear it. However, the woman should wear it on the neck like a rosary after folding/doubling it. Otherwise, she may wrap it on a naariyal (brown coconut), and place the naariyal in worship place.

4. After a birth or death in the family/relations/friend circle , it should be taken out. A new thread should be worn 15 days after the event.

5. Old, or broken thread should be replaced, and it can be put on a tree or dropped in a running stream of water.

6. Yagyopaveet should be changed on Shravan Poornima.

7. There are some specific rituals like Daan/Tarpan to Ancestors, offering Ardhya (water) to Sun God etc., in which Yagyopavit is wound around the Second (largest) finger and Third (ring) finger of right hand.

You should chant the following Mantra while wearing the Yagyopaveet (Janeo):

Om Yagyopavitam Param Pavitram Prajaapateryatsahajam Purastaat |

Aayushyamagrayam Pratimunch Shubhram Yagyopavitam Balamastu Tejah ||

If taking off, the Yagyopaveet should be taken off through the neck only whilest chanting this mantra-

Om Aetaavad Dinparyant Bhrahmatav Dhaaritam Mayaa

Jeerntvaattey parityaago gacch sutra yathaasukham |

साधक यदि चाहे तो इसे माला की तरह गले में दो बार करके भी धारण कर सकता है. इससे ये हर परिस्थिति में पवित्र रहता है, नित्य कार्य करते समय भी यज्ञोपवीत के पवित्रता-अपवित्रता को लेकर चिंता नहीं रहती.