Upanayanam or Brahmopadesham Deep Drive
Upanayanam or Brahmopadesham Deep Drive
Upanayanam or Brahmopadesham Deep Drive free download
Upanayanam or Brahmopadesham Deep Drive
Upanayanam / Brahmopadesham – Step-by-Step Procedure
Pre-Ceremony Preparations (1–2 Days Before)
Fixing Muhurta (Auspicious Time)
Chosen by a family priest or astrologer, considering the boy’s birth chart and planetary positions.
Vratha (Vratam)
Performed by the father or guardian, preparing him spiritually for the responsibility of initiating the boy.
Sometimes includes Nandhi Shraddha (homage to ancestors).
Yagnopaveetha (Sacred Thread) Preparation
The sacred thread (Yajnopavita) is made ready, usually with three strands signifying purity and vows of the student.
Day of Upanayanam Ceremony
1. Sankalpa and Ganapati Pooja
Sankalpa (intention) is taken by the father and the boy.
Ganapati Pooja is performed to remove all obstacles.
2. Matru Bhojana
The boy eats food served by his mother (symbolizing his last meal as a child before entering student life).
3. Kesha Khandana (Mundan or Hair Cutting)
Symbolizes renunciation and detachment from worldly pleasures.
Full or partial tonsure is done, depending on custom.
4. Snana (Holy Bath)
The boy takes a bath to purify himself before the initiation.
5. Wearing of New Clothes
Wears a new dhoti (or panchakacham) and upper cloth (uttareeyam).
6. Yajnopavita Dharana (Wearing Sacred Thread)
The sacred thread is ceremonially worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm.
Father or Guru helps him wear it, symbolizing his acceptance into Brahmacharya.
7. Brahmopadesham (Gayatri Mantra Initiation)
The core moment of the ceremony.
The father whispers the Gayatri Mantra into the boy’s right ear.
Repeated thrice. This is Brahmopadesham – the teaching of the Brahman (Supreme Truth).
8. Bhiksha (Alms Seeking)
The boy, now a Brahmachari, asks for alms from his mother and elders, saying:
"Bhavati Bhiksham Dehi"
This is symbolic of humility and beginning the life of a student.
9. Ashirvadam (Blessings from Elders)
Elders and relatives bless the boy with Vedic chants and good wishes.
10. Homa (Sacred Fire Ritual)
Includes Samidadhanam (offering twigs to fire).
Performed by the boy under guidance, often for the first time.
11. Upadesha of Samit and Guru Vandana
Boy is taught to offer samits (wooden sticks) to Agni and to show respect to his Guru.
Post-Ceremony Customs
Bhikshatana (Collecting Alms outside) – In some traditions, the boy may go to nearby homes to request alms.
Feast (Brahmana Bhojana) – A traditional meal is served to Brahmins and guests.
Gift Giving – Clothes, money, or gold may be gifted to the boy and priests.
Vastradana & Dakshina – Offerings to the priests and elders.
Symbolic Significance
Transition from boyhood to disciplined student life.
Awakening of spiritual knowledge and dharma.
Acceptance of the duties of Brahmacharya.
