Greetings on Upakarma (Avani Avittam) Day
Om Sharma
Dear BSNA and GBC Family,
This year on August 29th is the Yajurveda Upakarma and on August 28th Rigveda Upkarma day. Upakarma is also known as Avani Avittam and signifies beginning (arambha) of learning Veda. On this day people normally change their Yajnopavitam (janeu and many other names in different languages). Followers of Yajurveda observe the Upakarma on the Shravana Purnima day and those who follow Rigveda observe the Upakarma on Shravana Nakshatra day in the month of Shravana. Hence the day to observe Upakarma might differ for the followers of Yajurveda and Rigveda.
Although the Yajnopavitam should be changed on different occasions, like birth, death, eclipse, falling from the shoulder, not observing the rule during shoucha, every 4 months, etc. but at least once a year it must be changed.
As before starting worshiping any Vigraha (Murti) praan-pratishtha is necessary similarly before wearing (dharan) Yajnopavita it must be made sacred by following pratishtha (invocation) procedures (abhimantrit). One needs to invoke 9 presiding deities; Omkaram (Pranava), Agni, Naaga, Soma (Moon), Pithru, Prajapathi, Vayu, Surya and Vishve Devathas) of Yagnopaveetham for 9 threads, and trinity (for 3 knots – Brahma, Vishnu & Rudra). Subsequently wear the Yajnopavitam one at a time followed by Gayatri japa.
One could abhimantrit as many Yajnopavita as one may need during the year to make it easy to change as needed.
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram
Prajapatheryasahajam purasthad
Aayushyamagryam prathimuncha shubram
Yagnopaveetham balamasthu thejah
If you are local and need to know how to perform the entire process (or any other rituals) please let me know and I will be happy to guide you (or perform for you if requested).
Regards,
Om Sharma
Dr. Om Sharma
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Brahman Samaj of North America (BSNA)
Executive Vice President
Global Brahman Confederation (GBC)
Tel: 908-359-3348