Why Do Some Hindu Men Wear Janeu

8/20/2019 Why Do Some Hindu Men Wear Janeu

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Blog by Rohit Sharma

Why Do Some Hindu Men Wear Janeu

1. The science behind wearing Janeu

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During the course of life of an individual, Hinduism advocates sixteen

purification rites known as samskaras. Upanayana is one of the most important

of such rites that a boy child is expected to undergo at his fifth, seventh or

twelfth year. Janeu, also called as sacred thread is worn by the boy from thereon

announcing him as Dvija or the twice born.

2. Gayatri Mantra



Wearing Janeu is popular predominantly among the Brahmins. The Upanayana

ceremony also can be translated as the event that gives the boy an additional

sight namely the inner vision with the initiation of Gayatri Mantra. Once the

boy undergoes upanayana (Gayatri Mantra Initiation) and wears Janeu (sacred

thread), he is expected to engage in regular prayers and chanting of Gayatri

Mantra in the prescribed way.

3. Yajnopaveetam



The sacred thread or Janeu is called by yet another name called Yajnopaveetam,

suggesting that the individual wearing it is characterized by an intense desire to

do actions marked as the highest good (Yajna). Janeu is made of three stands of

cotton thread known as vritas. Every thread has three cords twining it and a

knot. Janeu is associated with a lofty kind of symbolism that enjoins the boy to

live an ideal life.

4. Journey of life.



The knot indicates the pledge to do only good acts. The three strands represent

either three kinds of breaths namely ida, pingala and sushumna or three

propensities namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The human life is all about

regulating these two aspects to perfection thus achieving the true purpose of the

ourney of life.

5. Janeu is worn on the left shoulder

Janeu is worn on the left shoulder which means shouldering the burdens of life

with tolerance. It runs over the heart indicating a life of faith and

determination. It touches the back which is the symbol of commitment. Thus,

symbolically janeu enjoins a man to a life of commitment, courage,

determination, faith, patience and tolerance.

6. Three Stands



The three stands also constantly remind the individual of the three debts he

owes to his 1) teachers, 2) parents and ancestors and 3) sages and gods. The

teacher has imparted the knowledge required to carry on the life in a systematic

and meaningful way; the parents and ancestors have made his existence on this

earth possible and have nurtured him; the gods and sages have blessed him withhealth, wisdom and happiness. Therefore, he should be always grateful to all of

them.

7. Gains knowledge

A verse in Sanskrit states that an individual wearing the sacred thread gains

knowledge, shines brilliantly like the sun and carries the finest instruments of

arts and learning, becomes the master in all the places he visits and attains

expertise in all the fields of knowledge finally attaining salvation – the ultimate

goal of human life.



8. Meaning of Janue

Thus, wearing janue reminds man of his several duties, codes of conduct,

responsibilities and the purpose of life. In this regard, it is more symbolic

enjoining man to a highly perfect order of life. If the true meaning and spirit of

wearing janeu is reinforced, it shall give way to a spiritual life dedicated to

personal as well as the social welfare.

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Why Do Some Hindu Men Wear Janeu