The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is made of Upa and Nayanam. (vision through knowledge). Literally, it is identified as the second vision known as Wisdom & knowledge. The boy on which this is performed is known to get the second birth - first being born on the earth with physical body and second being "taking one near to wisdom". Essentially it has two parts. First is the investiture of the three stranded thread called Yagjnopaveetham. The second part is the Brahmmopadesam - taking one to the Brahman - a recitation into his right ear the Gayathri Mantra. This is usually performed by his father, who becomes the Teacher known as Guru to the boy. And from this day, he begins his routine Sandhya Vandanam - a regular prayer done thrice a day - during Morning, Noon & in the Evening.
The sacred thread consists of three strands joined by a knot known as Brahmagranthi or the knot of Brahma. The meaning of the three strands is ida, pingala and sukshama nadi, through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness. Yajno-pavita means 'thread of sacrifice.' That is so called because it symbolizes the sacrifice of ego, Anger & selfishness. Upanayanam does not mean just putting round the neck three strands of cotton thread. It means that there are not only two eyes but a third also. That is the jnana netram (wisdom eye). Open that eye and recognize your swa-swarupa (own form); that is what is taught. Upanayanam means additional eye. They say that the eye must be opened and for that purpose they give training in pranayama (breath control). This sacred thread may be compared to an electric circuit. Even as any leakage point in an electric circuit will result in draining away precious electrical energy, objects like keys or rings tied to the sacred thread, serve as leakage points through which the carefully garnered spiritual power of Gayathri is frittered away. The sacred thread must therefore be kept free from association with any other object and must be worn at all times.
The Gayathri Mantra is a highly revered mantra of the Vedic tradition. By chanting this mantra properly, one can attain purity by dispelling ignorance. It improves communication abilities, brightens the mind and opens up the psychic vision. Ultimately, the person who repeatedly chants this mantra attains spiritual enlightenment and becomes mentally powerful.
This practice is the rich heritage handed down the centuries by our forefathers and the sages. These rituals prepare the mind to assimilate not only the vedic knowledge but also make one a person of character. It may be argued that in the present day conditions it is not practicable to strictly perform sandhyavandana thrice a day as ordained by the scriptures nor is it possible to chant the Gayathri mantra strictly in the manner prescribed. While there may be some validity in such an argument, to the extent possible these samskaras must be practised including the regular chanting of the Gayathri mantras. In this context a brahmachari would do well to learn a lesson or two from others who even in these modern days, do not fail to perform their religious practices.
May the Supreme Lord and Divine Mother in her quintessential form as Gayathri bless us and inspire us to rediscover our extraordinary rich legacy.
