Hinduism: Details about 'Upanayana'
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The Upanayana is a Hindu samskara for children of the three highest castes. It is the beginning of serious study with a guru and also means that the child is fully a part of the religious community. Young male members of the Brahmin and Kshatriya caste may perform a coming of age ceremony, the Upanayana commonly known as Janoy, or the thread ceremony. The Janoy is many strings rolled together to resemble an umblical cord to symbolise the New birth as a student and from this day on he belongs to the Guru, who takes the place of mother and father.
was performed before the boy went up to the Guru's ashram (school). In a ceremony administered by a priest, a young boy shaves his hair off (or just some portions, as deemed appropriate) and a Janoy is Hung from around his shoulder to his waist line. The ceremony varies from region to community, and includes reading from the Vedas and special mantras and slokhas. The boy also swears to obey his Guru and also takes oaths to confirm that he will not take intoxicants, speak the Truth, serve the Guru,and to stay celibate. Rites of initiation exist for the other castes, but differ from region to region. The Upanayana has similarities with the rites of initiation practiced in Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. The ceremony initiates the stage of Brahmacharya, a period of study, service and the practice of self-control, responsibility and preparation for the duties of full manhood. An Upanayana is also an identity of the caste, ethnicity and lineage of a Hindu man. It is especially important for a Hindu if he desires to study religion and become a brahmin priest, scholar, monk or mendicant, or work in service of the religion and community. Topics in Hinduism
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