Upanayanam – 12 Nov Lecture Notes

CONTENTS

UPANAYANA
SIXTEEN SAMSKARAS
ORIGIN AND MEANING OF UPANAYANAM
PURPOSE OF UPANAYANAM
PLACE AND POSITION OF UPANAYANAM
SACRED MEANING OF SAMSKARA
MISCONCEPTION BY SOME CRITICS
ATTAINMENT OF HUMAN BRITH AND LIBERATION
WHEN AND WHOM TO PERFORM UPANAYANAM
PURPOSE OF GURUKULA VASAM
ANCIENT RITUAL OF PERFORMING UPANAYANAM
TRANSFORMATION OF A PERSON AFTER UPANAYANAM
IGNORANCE OF SANDHYA VANDANA AND SIGNIFICANCE OF GAYATHRI MANTRA
PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMING UPANAYAM
PERFORMING DIFFERENT HOMAS
ANKURARPANA, NANDI DEVATHA AHVANA/INVOKING DEITIES
YAGNOPAVEETHA DHARANA/INVESTITURE THE SACRED THREAD
RESIDING DEITIES OF YAGNOPAVEETHA AND ITS SACREDNESS AND POWER
NANDI DEVATHA SAMARADANA
KUMARA BHOJANAM
VASTRA MEKHALA AND AJINADI DHARANA
HANDING OVER THE VATU TO GODS FOR PROTECTION
NAVAGRAHA MANGALA ASIRVACHANA
CHOORNIKA [KEEPING JEERA AND JAGGERY PASTE ON THE VATU’s HEAD]
BRAHMOPADESA
GAYATRI MANTRA UPADESA AND VISISTATHA [GREATNESS]
STORY OF PALASA TREE AND PALASA DANDA DHARANA
SURYOPASTHANA
VOWS TO BE DONE BY VATU
BHIKSHACHARYA MATRU BIKSHA
SANDYA VANDANAM
AGNI KARYAM
SADASYAM
MEDHA JANANAM
CONCLUSION
REFERENCE BOOKS
SONGS ON VATU AFTER UPANAYANA SAMSKARA AND ON DAMPATULU [COUPLE]

UPANAYANAM

SHODASA SAMSKARAS LECTURE DELIVERED BY Dr. TS VISALAKSHI GARU ON UPANAYANA SAMSKARA VEDIO ON NOVEMBER 12^TH 2022

TRANSCRITED BY A V N LALITHA, PIN 214

SIXTEEN SAMSKARAS FOLLOWED IN THE HINDU TRADITION

Garbhaadhaana.
Punsavana.
Seemanta or Sreemanta (these three are to be performed to the mother before the birth of a child by her mother, father and mother-in-law, and father-in-law.)
Jaatakarma.
Naamakaarana.
Nishkramana.
Annapraasana.
Chudaakarma(To remove puttuventrukalu/Hair)
Karnavedha (piercing of ears.)
Aksharaabhyaasam.
Upanayana Samskaara.
Samaavartanam or Snataka (convocation)
Keshanta Samskara for boys (13A.)BalikaRajaswala samskara (for girls)
Veda Vratas or Brahma Vrataas.
VivaahaSamskaaraa.
Antyesthi Samskara – Last rites.

UPANAYANAM

ORIGIN AND MEANING OF UPANAYANAM [INVESTITURE WITH SACRED THREAD]:

The word UPANAYANAM is formed from the root “NEE-NAI” to lead- Nayathi. Nayathi means to take away and with the addition of upasarga, UPA means near ie to take it near. So near to whom and where? Near to an Acharya/Sadguru. Upanayanam means to take us near Brahma Jnana.

UPA mean near NAYANAM means eye by which whatever is seen reaches to it and brings that object near to us.

PURPOSE OF UPANAYANAM:

The ancient Vedic culture developed a science of life. It had scripted and evolved with a system of Samskaras right from Conception to Death to mark every important epoch in the life of an individual. Upanayana Samskara shows us the way to gain knowledge by which knowledge of Brahma Jnana, jeeva wants to get liberated. To gain that knowledge and thereby reaching the ultimate goal of human life, one should get initiated into UPANAYANA SAMSKARA and Brahmopadesa.

PLACE AND POSITIONOF UPANAYANAM:

The Upanayana Samskara stands 11th place among [16]Sodasa Samskaras followed in the Hindu tradition. All the rituals and sacraments imposed on us by Seers is to gain knowledge and liberation. A special emphasis has been given to the Upanayana Samskara. Thus, it occupies the most sacred, secret and significant position among all the Samskaras. Upanayana is considered as the best Samskara for those born in Brahmin caste with Purusha Upadhi/Position of Male.

SACRED MEANING OF SAMSKARA:

Samskara means purification. We do samskara to our body by taking bath every day and apply beautiful anointments which will remove the dirt and impurities on the body thus, virtues will be developed in us emanating fragrance. Similarly, by observing the samskaras before and after birth, not only the impurities of the body would be removed but the impurities of the Jeevatma would also be purified. Then Sadgunas, Satvikatha, the Lustre and the Knowledge would join and improve the Jeevatma.

MISCONCEPTION BY SOME CRITICS:

Some people misconstrued that Samskara should be done to perform marriage. This is due to the lack of awareness and its significance. Upanayana Samskara brings eligibility to a person to get initiated into Veda Vidya. One who purifies his body and mind would gain divinity by daily observing Sandhya Vandana, Gayatri Japa and qualifies to study Vedas under an Acharya/Guru who also teaches to perform PanchaMaha Yajnas. Thus, Upanayana Samskara is utmost important.

ATTAINMENT OF HUMAN BIRTH AND LBERATION:

“Janthunamnarajanmadurlabham,atahpumsthvamthathoviprathaaththasmaathvaidika dharma marga paratha vidvathamasmath param atmanatmavivechanamswanubhavobrahmathmanasamsthithihi. Mukthirnosathakotirjanmasukruthairpunyair vina labhyathe”

Jagat Guru Shri Adi SankaraBhagavathPadacharya said, it is very difficult to get human body among all forms, moreover it is fortune to be born as a male child. Even in that, to be born as a Vipra[brahmin] and having the tradition of following righteous path to acquire scholarliness is still very rare. Moreover, to have the discrimination of what is good and bad, atma and anatma is still more difficult. Self-experience, and to be in the state of Brahman, can be obtained only by the merit acquired in hundreds of crores of births. Hence, we should utilize the opportunity properly and get liberation after obtaining Brahma Jnana with this Upadhi/Position. initiated into Upanayana Samskara. Out of 84 Lakhs of living beings, only human beings have the opportunity to get mukthi by reforming their body, mind and karmas. “Jnana devathukaivalyam”.

WHEN AND WHOM TO PERFORM UPANAYANA:

According to Apasthamba Dharma sutras,

“Garbhastame Brahmana Upanayeetha, GarbhaEkadaseshuRajanyam. GarbhaDwadaseshuVyshyam”.

Ashtama means 8 which includes, when the living being enters into the womb of the mother, the Upanayana should be performed to Brahmin Boy at 7^th year 3^rd after birth. similarly for Kshatriya children at 11 years from entering into the womb of the mother, During 12^th year to the Vysyas.

“Brahmacharya Sakamasya Brahma VarchasaKaamasya, KaaryamViprasya Panchama Varshe, RajoBalardinahaSashthe, VyshyasyaIhardhinoAshtame”.

This is another statement given in Apasthamba Sutras. It is said in the scriptures that for Brahmin boys, who aspire to get Brahmanical Luster, Upanayanam should be performed at 5^th

year. At the age of 6^th year for Kshathriya boys who aspire to get great strength, 8^th year for Vyshyas to get success and acquiring lot of properties on earth. “Vasanthe Brahmana

Upanayeetha” – during VasanthaRuthuvu[Spring Season], the Brahmins should be initiated into Upanayana Samskara. “GreeshmeRajanyam” – Summer for Kshatriyas – Children of Royalfamilies, “SaradiVysyam” -Autumn for Vysya children. For boys of all castes, especially for Brahamins, performing Upanayana on the Vasantha Panchami Thithi or Sri Panchami Tithi is considered as the best Muhurtha. We have to see the Tara Bala/star strength for both father & boy. In Apasthamba Sutras, “AthahUpanayanamVyakhyasamaha” completely speak about the procedure of performing Upanayana Samskara and how to hand over him to Guru or Gurukula. If the father is desirous of the welfare of his son and wants to make his son Aishwaryavanie wealthy and intelligent, then he should perform Upayanayana at proper age. Question arises about what is Aishwarya?

“RuchussamaniYajogumshiSahisrir Amrutha Sadam”.

Thaithriya Aranyaka says the threeRuks of Rig Veda Mantras and Hymns, Yajus of Yajurveda, Samas of Samaveda are the real Aishwarya/Wealth or the property. Hence, to get immortality or the way by which one can reach immortality is the real Aishwarya. That is the essence of Gayanthri Mantra. Thus, to obtain immortality, Upanayana has to be performed where Jnana and Aishwarya will be given to Vatu.

“ShathamSanmargaVarthinam Amrutha Anastha”

Those who follow the VedokthaMarga, the path spoken in Vedas, they never get any Anishta, the unwanted things. So medha- kama, desires of Jnana & Brahma Jnana and Sri Kama, desirous of Aishwarya speak about two Vedas they should study Veda Vijnana and Veda Vidyas.

“Brahmacharya DwadasaVarshyanekaVedeBrahmacharyamChareth”

One being a Brahmachari and by following Brahamcharyavratham, he should acquire the knowledge of each Veda after studying for 12 years. To study one Veda perfectly it takes 12 years. So, for studying 4 vedas, he has to spend 48 years. In the olden days, Upanayana Samskara was used to be performed for 4 or 5 days. Now-a-days they are winding it up in just one day. It should be done at least for one full day because as a part of this Upanayana, the priest should make the Vatu perform the Agni Karya during day time and Sandhya Vandana at evening.

PURPOSE OF GURUKULA VASAM:

We get liberated by jnana. Jnana is acquired by study and practice of Sastras and Vedas. That would be possible by the teachings of Sadguru. That eligibility would be gained by performing Upanayana Samskara to a person with Vedic mantras. So Upanayana is the qualification to entering into GurukulaVasam and study Vedas and Scriptures, Dharma Shastras etc.

“VedoKhilo Dharma Moolam”

The roots of all Dharmas are in Vedas. That is why we have to study Vedas. The aim of life can be achieved by knowing and practicing Dharma. We have to protect and transcend our

Veda Vignana and Vedic culture by practicing it. Parents take their child to Guru kula and hand over him to a Guru, who preaches him Veda Vidya and Brahma Vidya ie ultimate knowledge.

ANCIENT RITUAL OF PERFORMIG UPANAYANAM:

In ancient days, UPANAYANAM was performed even to girls along with boys. We have Brahma Vadinis, Jnanis like Gargi, Maithrayee, Lopamudraetc, in our Vedas. But due to many social reasons and the changes in due course of time, we are performing Upanayana Samskara only to boys. Thus, we do offer Yagnopaveetha to goddesses also in our daily pujas.

TRANSFORMATION OF A PERSON AFTER PERFORMIG UPANAYANA

“JanmanaJayatheVipraha, SamskarathDwijaUchyathe”

By performing Upanayana Samskara, one becomes a Dwija i.e. twice born. The parents give birth to the boy i.e.ManavaUpadhi [Human position]. By giving Brahmopadesha, he becomes Jnana Swaroopa, hence, he is called as Dwija, born second time with Knowledge. He takes the form of knowledge by which he gets the worthiness to do Gayatri Japa and study/practice of Vedas . Upanayana is that ritual which blooms the eye of knowledge in us and leads us to Brahman. Unless Upanayana is performed, one cannot perform any sort of Shroutha or Smartha Karmas. A boy would be enjoying the child hood till Upanayana Sis performed. After Upanayana, he becomes a Brahamchari.

“BrahmaniCharathiIthiBrahmachari”

It means one who moves, lives and thinks of Brahman. He has to follow vigorous austerities and abstinence which are prescribed for Brahmacharis. The main responsibilities which are essential is to get up early morning in Brahmi Muhurta[2 hours before Sun rise, generally 3.30-4.00 AM] then do Sandhya Vandana, Agni Karya and study Vedas while following food regulations, time management and service to Guru etc. Though Jaata Karma, Naamakaranam, choodakarma etc. are done according to sastras, at the time of performing Upanayana, all these Samskaras are to be done once again under the name of AnupaneethaPrayaschitha.

“Sahi Vidya ThasthamJanayathiThathSreshthamJanma, ShareeramevaMathaPitharauJanyathaha”.

It is mentioned in Apasthamba Sutras,the Upanayana Samskara gives excellence to the noble human birth. ie parents give birth only to the body, but real Jnana Shareera/body would be given by GURU.

IGNORANCE OF SANDYA VANDANA, SIGNIFICANCE OF GAYATRI MANTRA:

Even after performing Upanayana, people are not doing Sandhya Vandana or Gayatri Japa properly thus losing the spiritual power which is supposed to gain. So, at least now, let all of us realize the sublimity, greatness and importance of Upanayana. Among all SapthaKotiMaha

Mantras [7 crores of Maha Mantras], the MahothkrushthaMahamantrai.e. Gayathri Mantra would be given to the boy. After getting initiated into Brahmacharya Ashrama, it is the duty of Vatu to try and observe all the rules necessary/prescribed for him. It is most important to do

Thrikaala Sandhya Vandana and Gayatri Mantra Japa and Agni Karya. If Trikalaa Sandhya Vandana at present scenario is not possible, due to some restrictions, jobs etc., then certainly Prathah Sandhya[morning] &Sayam Sandhya[evening] should be done. Gayatri Mantra is so powerful that by observing and practicing Sandhyavanda and Gayatri Mantra Japa regularly, the invincible spiritual power will certainly be gained.

PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMING UPANAYANAM:

The most important points of Upanayana which are to be followed are,

Subha arambha [Starting the pious ritual]
Vigneswarastuti [Praying and worshipping Lord Vinayaka]
Sankalpam [Oath/Wish]
Kalasa puja [Round Brass vessel puja]
Vigneswarasodasopachara puja[ Lord Vinayaka puja]
Upanayana sankalpa[Thread marriage Wish/Oath]
Jata karma, namakarana samskaras etc.[Naming ceremonies etc]
Raksha bandhan[Tying of protection Band]
Swasthipunyahavachana[Chanting pious mantras]
Mantapaaradana[Puja for Tent or shed]
Agni pratisthapana[Keeping Fire God in house]
Prokshana samskaras[Purifying the place by sprinkling water]
VividhaHomals[Different types of homas]
Ankurarpana[Starting of ceremony]
Nandi devata ahvana[Invoking Pithru deities or Fore Father Gods]
Yagnopaveetha dharana[Wearing Sacred Thread]
Nandi devata samaradana[Invoke and worship Gods]
Kumara bhojanam[Eating food along with Co-Brahmacharis]
Vastra mekhela ajinadi dharana[Wearing Deer skin]
Vatu Appagintha[To handover vatu to gods for protection]
Navagraha mangalaasirvachana[9 planets pious blessings]
Churnika [Jeera Jagerry paste to keep on the vatu’s head]
Brahmopadesam [Giving the Upadesa from father to son]
Gayatri mantra upadesa and visistata [Gayatri Mantropadesa and its importance]
Palasadandadharana [Wearing stick on shoulder]
Guru Dakshina[Honour of teacher/priest] 08
Suryopastanam[Showing Sun God]
Vatu Pramanam[Vows to be done by Vatu]
Bikshacharya/ matruBhiksha [Asking for Alms/ From Mother]
Sandya Vandana
Agni karya[observing/performing puja to Fire God]
Sadasyam or brahmana asirvachanam[Blessings from all elderly Brahmins]
Medhajanana[Palasa karma/removing the protection band]

The Upanayana Samskara should be done according to shastras and follow all the points i.e. depending on the Veda Sakha [Sect] they belong to, regional variations etc. although there may be minor differences here and there. The priest prepares panchapalikas[5 mudbowls] and fills with mud, makes the father sprinkle little water and pour Navadhanyas[9 types of grains] and again covering it with mud. Again, little water is sprinkled. They slowly turn into little sprouts and grow. we believe that if these grow very thick and high, their dynasty would also shine for long time. They should be taken care for 16 days by sprinkling little water every day. On the 16^th day which is celebrated as a festival, these palikas should be offered to ladies/muttaiduvalu by the mother of Vatu. Points from 1 to 12 are self-explanatory.

PERFORMING DIFFERENT HOMAS:

“ShradhhamMedhamYasahaPragnamVidyamBhuddhimSriyamBalamAyushyam Teja ArogyamDehimeHavya Vahana SriyamDehimeHavya Vahana Om Nama Ithi”

Vatu should pray Agni Hotra [Fire God], to bestow him Shraddha, Medha, Yasaha, Pragna Etc. while doing Homas like AghoraHoma, ChaksushiHoma etc. This is also followed even for Homas or Yagas like ChandiYaga, Ganapathi Yaga etc.

ANKURARPANA, NAANDI DEVATA AHVANA / INVOKING DEITIES:

The word Naandi means beginning. The true ritual begins by Ankurarpana and invoking the Deities. The parents specially father of Vatu, shall invoke the PithruDevathas[Fore Father Gods] and worship them with gratitude and devotion. They are also called as SobhanaDevathas. This custom is even followed for the marriage also. They will favour the dynasty to grow and bless all to prosper and live long.

YAGNOPAVEETA DHARANA/WEARING SACRED TREAD:

The priest, after Pranayama makes sankalpa to perform the ritual of wearing Sacred Thread [Yagnopaveetha Dharana] by the Vatu. Shodasopachara puja to the presiding deities ofYagnopaveetha will be done by the Vatu. Soon after the father takes the Yajnopaveetha to

elders to touch it which becomes more powerful because of their Divinity obtained by doing Sandhya Vandana & Gayathri Japaevery day to the presiding deities. They bless the Vatu.

“Sri ParameshwaraPreethyardhamMama KumarasyaAyushyabhiVryudhyardham, Mama KumarasyaUpanayanangatwenaDwijathvaSiddhyardhamYagnopaveethaDharanamKarishey”.

The father while chanting the above mantras along with the priest, he worships the Yagnopaveetha and AdhistanaDevathas for the sake of his son’s longevity and obtaining Dwijathva by saying

“YagnopaveethaAdhishtaanaDevathabhyoNamaha, Dhyana AvahanadiSodashopacharaPoojaihiPoojayami”.

when the priest recites,“YAJNOPAVEETHA DHARANA MUHURTHASUMUHURTHOSTHU” the Vatu’s parents hold the Yagnopaveetha and put on his neck by saying mantra

“OmYagnopaveethamParamamPavithramPrajapatheryathsahajamPurasthatAyushyamagriyamPratimunchaSubhramYagnopaveethamBalamasthuTejah”.

This most sacred Yagnopaveetha had originated from God Prajapathi, Chathrumukha Brahma, which gives long life, strength and lustre. The Vatu has to wear the Yagnopaveetha with devotion till his marriage which consists of three lines of thread with one knot and is the symbol of Dwijatva. It is the Goddess Gayatri Mata.

RESIDING DEITIES OF YAGNOPAVEETA AND ITS SACREDNESS AND POWER:

At the time of marriage, another two sets of three lined threads with two knots will be added to Yagnopaveetha, thus, it becomes 9 threaded with 3 knots. This should be worn lifelong by all those who got Upanayana and Marriage Samskaras.

In these 9 threads 9 deities exist permanently and protect those who wear Yagnopaveethaand serve them with devotion. The deities which are residing in these 9 threads/Tantus are

1. OmkarahPradhameThanthau

2. Dwithiyeagnihithathaivacha

3. TrutheeyeNagadevatvam

4. Chaturde Soma Devata

5. PanchamePitruDaivatvam

6. ShashtaichevaPrajapathihi10

7. SapthameMaruthaschaiva

8. Astame Surya Evacha

9. SarveDevathastuNavame. IthyethahTanthuDevathah

“BrahmanothpadithamSutram Brahmana UthpadithamSutram, VishunathriguniKrutham, Rudrena Datto GrandhirvySavitriyachaApiMatritam”.

The Yagnopaveetha is so sacred and powerful that God Chaturmukha Brahma created it, Lord Sri MahaVishnu tripled that i.e. made it thrice which represents Trigunas, God Paramasiva Rudra has put the knots to it and SavithriMaatha [savithru God] gave spiritual power to it. By thinking of them we get Icha, Jnana, Kriya Shakthis. The size of Yagnopaveetha is exactly 96”. Normally Gods & deities are of this size. By wearing Yagnopaveetha and observing

Deva Vrathas[auspicious rituals], a man can become Deva and turn into Daivatva[Godliness] and ultimately become Brahman [The Paramatman, Transcendental Reality]. The three lines of Yagnopaveetha are Brahma Grandhi, Vishnu Grandhi& Rudra Grandhi.

NANDI DEVATA SAMARADANA:

The priest tells the father of Vatu to take Sankalp/oath of doing Nandi Devata Samaradana for the longevity of his son, honor Brahmins and Pandits with Clothes, Money, Fruits etc.

KUMARA BHOJANAM / TAKING FOOD ALONG WITH BRAHMACHARIES:

“MathraSahaKumaramBhojayeth”
“BhaginyaSahaBhojayeth”

As a part of Upanayana, Vatu sits either with his mother or sister according to their tradition and custom and take food along with otherBrahmacharisis called “Kumara Bhojanam”. These Brahmacharis will be offered clothes.The meaning behind this is,till the Upanayana Samskara is performed, the vatu eats the food alongwith either the mother or sister and sometimesshares food from each other’s plates out of love and affection. But after Upanayanais performed,he shall avoid eating touched food, and also whatever he eats shall be pious/satvika and has to offer to Gods first.

Another real/sacred statement is, it does mean that he is eating alongwith hisbiological mother but he is eating along with Gayathri Matha, the Mother of Universe, The Vatu shall do prokshana alongwith Gayathri Manthraand offer to Ahuthis[Gods] beforetaking food.So, sitting on a wooden plank [peeta] on the ground, he should eat holy food by sprinkling water and chanting Gayatri Japa.

VASTRA MEKHALA AND AJINADI DHARANA:

The Priest makes ready the things like Deekshavashtra,Barhist, Kurcha, Stick, Deer Skin and Mekhala, Stone etc. The Vatu takes bath the Kumara Bhojana and wears Deekshavashtra.While reciting the mantras, the priest makes Vatuperform Agni MukhaPrakriya offers it to fire and says “AgnayaIdhamNamama” which means-“These are not mine, these are for Agni”[Fire God] chanting the mantras, the Vatu presses the stone [SanikalluRayi] with his foot. The holy meaning of keeping the Deekshavastras on the stone is the Vatu becomes as strong as the stone in doing all the rituals of Brahmachari, develop the enduringpower, able to bear all the dualities like cold and heat, hunger and thirst, happiness and sorrows and learn to maintain celibacy. He shall realizethat the clothes are only for the physical protection not for luxury or exhibiting status.

HANDING OVER THE VATU TO GODS FOR PROTECTION:

Atharva Veda says“BrahmacharyenatapasahDevahaMruthyuApaghnatha”

We can stop even death by brahamacharya and penance. God Devendra, PanchaBhoothaDevathas are prayed for the protection of the Vatu. The thread prepared byMunja grass which is grown by the favour of Gods Indra, Moon, Maruth etc. will be tiedaround the waist of the Vatu and keep the knot at the Naval. This Munja grass has the power of removing the disease

of the body and increase longevity and spirituality. One can attain Samadhi state, if Penance is done by sitting on the Deer Skin [Krishnajina DeerSkin]. That is why sages do penance by sitting on Deer Skin. Now the Vatu is made to wear Deer Skin as the indication of performing Yajna, becausethe Vatuby wearing Deer skin has to do several yajnas like Agnisthoma, AdhirathraApthoryama, Vajapeya, Poundarika, Aswamedhaetc yajnas.Also, it gives sense control, IndriyaNigraha. Since the Vatu has to study Veda Vidya and teach others,the priest while chanting of Veda mantras hands over the responsibility of protection of Vatu to all the Gods. It is the duty of Gods to take care of Vatu because he is doing benefit to the society by protectingVedas.Thus, the Vatu’s protection is handed over to Prajapathi first and then Agnideva, Chandradeva, Surya deva Saraswathi Devi, MrithyuDevatha, Yama, JalaadhiDevatha, OshathiDevatha and then BhooMatha.

“AnthethuSarvaMantranamHasthaGrahanamishyatheDevathabhyahParidanamRakshanayaPrudhakPrudhak”.

NAVAGRAHA MANGALA ASIRVACHANA:

The priest chants the NavagrahasSthothras,

“Tridevamurthyrjagadekachakshuhuvirinchi Narayana SambhuRoopahaPrabhakaraSobhanaHetuBhoothohVatumChaturvedaPatumKarothu“

These lines have many mantras. When Sumuhurtha is approaching the priest recites Lagnashtaka slokas[8 Slokas].

“SumuharthaKale AtmanaSameepaAanayatiLagnashtakaPathanamKuryatChoornamPathitva”.

CHOORNIKA [KEEPING JEERA JAGGERY PASTE ON THE VATU’s HEAD]:

For Upanayana, the strength of the Subha Muhurtha is not only most important but it is much more essential of keepingmixture of jeera and jaggery which is kept on a beetle leaf on the Brahma Randa of vatu exactly on dot of Subha Muhurtha. The mixture of jeera and jaggery has the power of pleasing the Gods. It has the capacity to remove the distractions and it does not allow old age to approach soon.

“Na JaraVidyatheYasmath”

It always creates enthusiasm and spirit, purifies the blood, creates auspiciousness and pious ideas in the mind. By keeping this mixture on the brahma randra, the petals of SahasraaraChakra Kamala which exists there and which is also most important among the seven chakras get bloomed. In Yoga sadhana, the Kundalini Shakthi is opened in thatMoola DharaChakra first thenpasses slowly upwards and then while passing through the other chakras likeSwadhishthana, Manipoora,Anahata,Visuddhi,Aagnaetc. finally reaches the SahasraaraChakra and touches the feet of Paramatma.Parabrahaman and Paramatma resideat SahasraaraChakra where Parvathi andParameshwara are seated. Then the un-imaginable and indescribable bliss [like a fountain] overflows like water. The inexplicable happiness overflows

and completely drowns the 72000 nerves in our body and the Yogi overwhelmes with joy. That sort of bliss a Vatu also experiences in his life at a later stage by getting Brahma Jnana. Thus, the mixture of Jeerea& Jaggery paste paves the way.

BRAHMOPADESA:

Among SapthaKotiMahaMantras, Gayathri Mantra is considered as the most powerful and MahothkrushthaMahaManthra.In other mantras there are some Bijaksharas, but Gayathri Mantrai.e. in Tripada Gayathri ChathurvimsaChakshara Gayathri – all 24 letters are Bijaksharis. Bija means the seed. From the seed the whole tree comes. So, from these Bijaksharas all the other letters came. Hence,Bijaksharas are so powerful and spiritual. Such

a powerful ChaturvimsaChaksharaTripadaGayahtriMantra will be advised and completely given to Vatu by his father alongwith Shakthi Patha. When the thundering noise of drums and shahanai are vibrating all over place, while the priest is chanting, the important Shakthi Patha power of Gayathri ManthraJapa done by the father will be given[whispering] to his son in his ears.At the time of Brahamopadesh, abig cloth is covered over the heads of Trioie the priest, the father and the Vatu. These mantras shall not be heard by others except those three. The important stages during the entire Upanayana Samskara are three 1. Keeping the Jeera Jaggery paste on the Vatu’s head 2. Brahmopadesha 3.MathruBhiksha. Among these three, the most important and powerful is Brahmopadesha.“Savithrim Ho Anubruhim”, the son requests by touching both feet of his father to instruct BrahamopadeshaJapaphala alongwith preaching of TripadaGayathri.Then the father advises the Mantras to his son in his ears and asks him to repeat the same three times so that it is remembered for ever. “SuprajahPrajayaBhooyah

SuveeroVeeraihiSuvatchaVarchasaSuhoshahaPoshaihi”.Any mantra given three times is called Manthropadesha. This is Brahmopadesha.

GAYATRI MANTRA UPADESA AND VISISTATA[GREATNESS]:

The Gayathri Mantra will be given along with Vyakrithis. For Brahmins, this is the real Mantropadesha of father completely handing over his spiritual power to the Vatuwhich is called as Shakthi Patha. There are SapthaVyakruthis.Sometimes Sandya Vandana is done by threeVyakruthi,“Om Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Suvaha”.After this Gayathri Mantropadesha, Vatu says Brhmacharyamagaam which means, I have become Brahamachari. Then the priest asks certain questions and Vatu replies. Later seven yagas are being conducted by Brahamachari. When the Vatuholds both feet of the priest and requests him “Savithrim Ho Anubruhim”,then the priest preaches him the powerful SavithriMantra which is in Gayathri Chandas alongwith three or SaptaVyakruthis. The power of Sun, [the Bharga Shakthi that exists in the Sun] is called Savitha [Savithri]. We say Gayathri Mantra also because it is in Gayathri Chandas because it transcends from divine power to human intellect, from Guru to Sishya and from father to son. It is called as Saraswathi, Sara means flow, Saraswathi is that which flows from one person to other. One generation to another generation. One place to another place. Thus, it is only the knowledge that goes from one to other. No other thing flows like this. So, Goddess Saraswathi is given to theknowledge Veda Vidya Vijnana, Vidya means education. The greatness and importance [Visistatha] of Gayathri Mantrais, it is so powerful, sacred and secret [rahasya vidya][Guhya vidya]. It should not be uttered by everyone whenever they like, wherever they like,and whoever they like. The Sanctity must be protected.It should be prayed only by those who got initiated into by Upadesha of this mantra. For those to whom this

ThripadaGayathri Mantra is not given, they cannot chant Gayathri Mantra. They can chant Purana Gayathri and other Gayathri mantras which gives same power and results as that of Tripada Gayatri Mantra.

“YoDeva SavithasmakamDhiyoDharmadhiGocharah, PrerayethBhargayethasyaTadvarenyamUpasmahe”

“Sarva Chaitanya RoopanthamAadyaVidyamchaDheemahiBhuddhimYanahrachodayatJaganmathreGayathri DevyeiNamo Namah”.

These two Gayathri Mantras can be chanted either by male, female or children. These Mantras can be chanted by those who got initiated and got that Upadesha mantra and also who do not have this mantra. Everybody can chant these mantras after taking bath and wearing washed clothes. These mantras have the same meaning as that of Tripada Gayatri Mantra which is initiated to those who deserves it. The meaning those who pray is “I pray that power of Sun”, the Bharga Shakthi which is pervading Bhooloka, Bhuvarloka&Suvarloka[Swarga loka] which is the best lustre of Sun should incite my mind [my intellect] to move in proper direction. This is the meaning of Tripada Gayathri Mantra[Savithri Mantra]. “Bhanjanathbhargaha”, Bhanjana means completely removing or burning.Bharga Shakthi is that power which completely burns “JanmaJanmantharaSanchitha Karma Doshas, Karma Palas Karma Vasanas”, which incites our intellect in proper Shreyomarga. It should make us travel inShreyoMarga and it is SavithriManthra. The 24 letters Mantra is called as Gayatri Mantra which is worshipped as GayathriMaatha during morning, afternoon as SavithriMaathaand in theevening as Saraswathi Maatha. These are Three different names of same power, same Goddess.

“GayanthamTrayathaIthiGayatri“

The Mantra protects them who worship her and recite her

“Na GayathriahParam Mantram Na Mathu Para Devatha”

There is no other mantra equivalent to Gayathri Mantra. There is no other Goddess other than the mother and equal to her. As soon as Upanayana Samskara is performed, the Vatu shall start doing Gayathri ManthraJapa. Those who wish to chant any other Mantras other thanGayatriManthra despite getting Upadesha, they do not obtain/achieve any Power, Phala or Punya. After doing Sandhya Vandana and goindGayatahriManthrajapa, one can do the japas or pujas of any gods or goddesses to achieve results. When this “Chathurvimsachakshara Gayathri Manthra”is recited properly with correct accent, then the sound vibrations [shabdaprakampanas] makes the body and mind of the Sadhaka very lustrous.He creates positive thoughts, brings“Aloukika Ananda anubhuthi,AatmandaAnubhuthi”. He realizes himself and becomes AatmaVetha. Vehta means one who knows andgains Self-knolwedge,[Brahma Gnana]. He realizes himself as a powerful person who can control the whole universe.

“GayathrimChandasamMatha,StutaMaya VaradaVeda Maatha”

Sruthi Maatha says Vedas and all Smriti Grandhas have praised the Greatness and Power of Gayathri Mantra in several ways.

“ThribhyaEvathuDevebhyahPadamPadamAdooduhatEthadaksharamEthamchaJapamJagruthiPurvakaamSandhyayurvedaVidviprovedaPunyenaYujyathe”.

Three padas of Gayathri Mantra are the essence of Rig Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.

“Na GayathriyahParamaManthrah”

There is no other Manthra as powerful as Gayathri Manthra.

“Samastha TantubhyahJapaYajnah Param Smrutham, HimsayaAnyePravarthantheJapaYajno Na Himsaya, TasmathJapahSadaSreshthah, SarvasatpunyaSadhanath, YevamJapaParahSandhyamBhakthyopasithaYoDwijahNiyamenaSadaGatchethRushithvamNathraSanchayah”.

Among all the yajnas japa yajna is the best. A Dwija who does Sandhyopasana becomes Rishi [sage]. “RushayahParadarsinah”. They can foresee. They are Trikala Jnanis. The Jnana Chakshu will also be open for them. Thus, they can see into any time past, present or future. They can see not only Trikalas but also theSpace. They have the power and can visualize wherever and whichever place they want to. Gayathri Manthra starts with the word Tath. Tath means TATHi.e.“AnirvaachyaParabrahman”, Indescribable Transcendental reality. This is saidin Upanishads. UpanishadPradipaditha Brahma Para Tathvais what Gayathri Mantra speaks about Parabrahaman. Hence, the transcendental ultimate reality which is imminent here as Antharyamin in this universeis the sub-stratum source of the whole creation of whole universe. All the sins will be burnt by Sandhya Vandana Upasana. The physical and mental illnesses will never approach. Raga, Moha, Lobha, Kama etc will leave that person and the sins are done knowingly or unknowingly would be washed away as soon as the Sandhya Vandana is performed and obtains great Power and Libereation.

“SarabhoothasthuVedanamGuhyopanishadoMathahTabhyahSarasthu Gayathri TrisroVyahruthayasthathaGayathri Veda Janani Gayathri Papa NasiniGayathriyaasthuParannaasthi Devi chehachapavanam”.

Gayathri MahaManthra is the essence of fourVedas. It is also the essence of Upanishad,TheGnana kanda of Vedas. By worshiping Gayathri, one accomplishes his goals and gets several good qualities likeKaryasaphalatha,Parakrama, Yoga, Dhanatha,Ghanatha,Jnana,Tejas, Rakshna[protection],Dheeshakshtis, Dharma,Nishtha, Dharana,Dhyana,Spurana,Sputathva,jagruthi,Sahas, dooradarshithva, Viveka, Niranjanthva etc. ViswamithraMaharshi is the Drashta of such powerful Great Gayathri Manthra. GayatahriMatha is prayed with the sloka

“Mukta vidrumahemaneeladavalachhayai, mukhais tree kshanai, yuktamindu kala nibaddhamakutam, tatvarthavarnatmikam, gayatri vardabhayangusakasas, subramkapalamgadam, sankam chakram atharavindayugalam, hastairvahanteembhaje.”

STORTY OF PALASA TREE AND PALASA DANDA DHARANA:

Once all Gods have come under the shadow of Moduga tree and discussed about Parabrahman, the ultimate reality, the Brahmatatva. The tree also listened to all the discussions of Gods with very much attention and interest. So, the tree is called as Susravaah,Sru means listen Su means

good. It means, he who heard correctly and effectively.From then the tree became very pious and a pious Samidha.We use PalasaSamidhas for yagnas offering to Agni. A branch of that Palasa tree is used in Upanayana Samskaram and for all auspicious occasions.

The priest while narrating and reciting the manthras, makes Vatu hold PalasaDanda, the stem of Palasa tree which is the symbol of jnana [knowledge]. TheVatuwhile saying“susravahsusravasam mam kuru”, holds the PalasaDandawhich means O’Goddess of Palasa tree, you belong to Gods just as you have recited the essence of Vedas, I will also receive the essence of Vedas. please bless me with that knowledge. He must hold the Palasa branch in his hand throughout his brahmacharya and with the firm intention that he would be as strong as that stick.

“Palasa DandoBrahmanasyaNayagrothahSkandhajahAvanyagroRajanyasyaBadaraAvadumbarovaVyshyasa”

As per sastra, Brahmins hold ModugaDandai.e.Palasa tree stick, Kshatriyas hold the branch of Banian tree then Vysyas hold the branch of Udumbara [Medi] tree

GURU DAKSHINA:

The vatu shall present a milky Cow [PadiAavu] along with calf as Guru Dakshina to the priest. Cow is considered as the form of 3 crores of Gods.Hence, offering a Cow is offering the entire Divinity. Cows are the wealth of human beings. Since the Priest accepted Cow as Dakshina he recites Omkarafor 17 times,“AcharyahSapthadasaKruthvoBhasya”.He blesses the Vatu to prosper and live long with knowledge.

SURYOPASTHANA:

“Aasavadithyo Brahma”

The priest brings the Vatu outside and shows Sun Godand says the Sunwho is shining in the sky is Parabrahman. The SavitruDevatha of Gayatri Mantra is the Bhargashakthi, BhargaTejas shining in the form of Sun.

TathChakshurevaHitamPurasthat Chakram Muchyarath
Pashyema Sarada Satham, We shall see 100 years
Jeevema Sarada Satham, We shall live for 100 years
Nandama Sarada Satham, We shall rejoice for 100 years 17
Prabravama Sarada Satham,We shall speak properly for 100 years
Ajeethasyama Sarada Satham, We shall live safelywithout afflicted by any diseases

for 100 years

JyokchyaSuryamDrushe We shall be able to see Sun God for several years.

VOWS TO BE DONE BY VATU:

The priest takes oaths from the Vatu that heshall lead a systematical life and will not eat, sleep, wander or talk as he likes.Whatever his guru says he has to accept, ask forBhiksha and offer it to his guru first and whatever the guru gives, he should eat. Every day he has to do Sandhya Vandana,Agni Karya,Gayatri MantraJapa and Study Veda [Adhyayana].

“TriyahMethamagnimDharayanthiKsharaLavanaVarjanamchaBrahmachaaryasyaPoshanethyanusishyamVatumGuruhBadhamityevaSarvatraPratibhruyathThathoVatuh“

The vatu says that he will followand accepts all the instructions given by his Guru.

BHIKSHACHARYA, MATRU BIKSHA:

“Thato GurumMataramAnyagumschyaVruddhamNamaskruthyaBhiskamchaAchareth, BhikshamYachayeth”

The priest/guru asks Vatu to get Bhiksha from his mother first and then father and later from all elders and relatives. From then the Brahmachary shall eat whatever he gets as alms. The vatu shall say his Pravara [his lineage] and ask forBhiksha.

“BhavathiBhikshamDehi” –is the sentence the Vatu shall ask women for Bhiksha.
“BhavanBhikshamDadatu” – is the sentence the Vatu shall ask men for Bhiksha.

Wearing auspicious yellow clothes [Deekshavastras], a bag that hangs down from the right shoulder [jole], with PanchaSikhas on head and ears rings [kundalas] the vatu looks radiant,shines,extremely blissful and glorious when and he starts asking for alms with both the hands cross wise, holding ears. The mother givesBhiksha with silver bowl full of grains which goes to the priest. Whatever the alms the Vatu gets from his families and elders, he has to give it to his guru. The priest also teaches the Vatu to utter the Pravaraaccording to the Gothracorrectly.For example

“ChatussagaraParyantamGobrahmanebhyahSubhamBhavathu. AngeerasaAmbareeshaYavvanaasyaTriarusheyaPravaranvitha, HaritasaGotrasyaApasthambhaSutrahKrishna YajussakhaAdhyayi, SravanaKumara SarmaAhambhoAbhivadaye”.

Matrubhiksha is so significant that it is bhiksha for him lifelong. After the Pitrubiksha, the mother gives a gold ring with stone embedded in it to his son which again he gives it to his wife when he gets married. Those who knows sastras, they bring the rice from their house to give to Vatu. According to Vydika dharma, when Upanayana is performed to a brahmin boy, only brahmins shall attend because only brahmins can give Biksha to Brahmins. For Upanayana of a kshatriya boy Brahmin and Kshatrias can give Bhiksha. For Vysyas, Brahmins,Kshatrias and Vysyas can give Bhiksha. At the time of Upanayana,NandikeswaraNomu can be celebrated. A sumptuous food is served to all the invitees.

SANDYA VANDANAM:

It is the duty of the priest and father to teach Sandya Vandana to the Vatu. He should do it every day. The main important Features of Sandya Vandana are ArghyaPradana, Gayatri Mantra Japa, and Suryopasthana. Some people say that even Mudras are also equally important. The greatness and importance of ArghyaPradanais given in the Vedas. The timings to do Sandya Vandana are Pratasandya- from early mornigArunodaya till the orb of Sun fully appears in the sky. During afternoon MadyatmikaSandya- ten minutes before Abhijit lagna,to 10 minutes after Abijitlagna which is exactly 12 noon, SayamSandya – when the Sun set time starts to the time of appearance of stars. If one could not do in time, they can do a bit late. If one could not do in a day, they can do prayaschita by doing extra with anganyasakaranyasa as a part of Sandya Vandana after arghyapradana and gayatri mantra japa. Whoever does all these, should do namaskara to Sun God with upastana mantras. That is why it is called Suryoupastana. Then turning into all directions, they should do namaskaram to all 8 or 10 directions, to all AstaDigdevatas, one above and one down. Then they should do salutes to Maharshis who resides in between Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

AGNI KARYAM:

The most important works of Vatu is doing Agnikarya,knowing their meaning and to practice them in life to get Brahmajnana. To chant Gayatri Mantropadesa lifelong.

SADASYAM

After Agni karyam is over, the parents shall arrange for Sadasyam, i.e. Veda mantra patana and Brahmana Asirvachana. After that the pandits shall be honored with fruits,flowers clothes etc.

MEDHA JANANAM:

The last samskara in Upanayam is MedaJanana which is also called as PalasaKarma. This should be done at the root of Moduga tree either on East or North side homagundam/village. This should be done at 4^th day of Upanayana. Vatu should invite Pranava/Omkara devata Sraddadevatha and Medha devata with mantras.After sodasopachara pooja,naivedya should be offered. Harati and pradakshina namaskaras shall be done and pray Gods to give knowledge and divinity. Then the priest removes the Raksha bandhana from the hand of Vatu and leaves at root of the tree. The Vatu enters into Brahmacharyam. We shall do Upakarma as a part of Upanayana. This is done at the time when Vatu has to be sent to Gurukula for Veda adyayana. This should be done in the morning of SravanaPouramiie that comes after the Upanayana.

“SravanaPournamasyamAnenaPrakarenaKuryath”.

on that day they should change their Yagnopavitas. It is called as JandhyalaPournami, on that day moon shines with 16 sodasakalas, same way the Vatu should also shine with perfect knowledge.The guru and shisya take bath, take darbhas,and sit on the seats made with darbhas.They start puja with Ganapati for getting good education.He teaches Vatu all vidhis and nishedhas [do’s and don’t’s]. Guru tells to worship all Gods,Agni sukta will be taught first and later takes him to Gurukula. They consider Guru Patni as their mother,Guru as father and equal to God. After entire education, they offer Guru Dakshina and return to their homes. They enter into GruhasthaAsrama and teach others whatever they learnt and protect Vedas and sastras.

This is the procedure of the sacred and secret Upanayana Samskara.

CONCLUSION

Every SanatanaDharmee should protect our dharmas, follow all rituals, customs, traditions, do Sandya Vandanaand GayatriMantra and gain divinity and spiritual knowledge/power.

REFERENCES

UPANAYAN SANDYAVANDANA GAYATRIMANTRA JAPA BY S.HARSHNANDA

THE UPANAYANA BY R.C. PRASAD

UPANAYANA VATU MANGALA HARATHI SONG

PALLAVI

JAYA MANGALAM NITHYA SUBHA MANGALAM– 2 TIMES

MANGALAM VATUVUNAKU MARTHANDA TEJUNAKU,

MANGALAM SARVANGA MAHI NANDUKU, MANGALAM TRAILOKYA SANCHARAVASUNAKU, MANGALAM EE BRAHMACHARIKIPUDU | J |

CHARANAM

JATANAMA KARMA CHEVULANNAPRASANA, SRI NASHTA UDAKAMULO PANCH SIKHALUNCHI, PREETHITHO YAGNOPAVEETHAMUNU DHARIYINCHI, SAASTHRAVIDHIEE BRAHMACHARIKIPUDU | J |

RANGU BANGARAMPU UNGARAMU VELKANCHI, SAMMATHIGA KANKANAMU CHETHA KATTI, GANGA UDAKALATHO GAYATRI MANTRAMULU

PONGUCHOO CHADAVARE SUTHULANNAKU | J |

PALASI DANDAMULU PADILAMUGA SAMARPINCHI

BALATHO JEEVUNAKU CHALAKATTI | J |

BHAVATHEE BHIKSHAM DEHI YANUCHU BALUNDU ADIGENU MAATRU BHUKSHA – 2 TIMES

DEEVINCHI TAMA TALLI DHEERGHAYU GAMMANI, VEGAME KALYANAMONDA MANENU | J |

COUPLE/DAMPATHULAMANGALA HARATHI SONG [on auspicious occasions]

PALLAVI

KAVAVE MAHANUBHAVA KARUNATHO EE DAMPATHULANU -2 TIMES

CHARANAM

BHUVALAYAMUNANDU, SAKALA, BHOGABHAGYAMULOSAGI

BHAVAMANDU NEEDU PADA BHAKTHI STIRAMUGA NILPI |K|

PUTRULANU, POUTHRULANU, PUTRIKA MANULANOSAGI

YELLA VELALANDU THODAI |K|

SAGARAA GAMBHEERA DHANUJA, SAGARAA GAMBHEERA SUGUNA

SAGARAMBU DAATAJESI, YELLA VELALANDU THODAI |K|

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