Why Yagyopaveet (Janeu)?
Why Yagyopaveet (Janeu)?
Yagyopaveet (Janeu) is a sanskar. Only after this, a Dwij boy gets the right to perform yagna and self-study. There is a scientific background in the origin of wearing Yagyopaveet. There is a natural line on the back of the body which works like an electric current. This line is located from the right shoulder to the waist region. This natural line is a very fine nerve. Its form is like the Lajwanti plant. If this nerve is in a contracted state, then man is not able to cross the limits of disorders like lust and anger.
Just by realizing that there is Yagyopaveet on his shoulder, man starts getting involved in corruption. If due to the contraction of his natural nerve It is not surprising if the inherent defects in it are reduced. That is why in all religions, the sacred thread is worn for some reason or the other. On closely observing the very old Buddha statue of Sarnath, a fine line of the sacred thread is visible on its chest. The sacred thread is not only a religious commandment but also a promoter of health, therefore it should always be worn.
The importance of the right ear has also been described in the scriptures. Since the gods like Aditya, Vasu, Rudra, Vayu, Agni, Dharma, Veda, Aap, Som and Surya reside in the right ear, even by merely touching it with the right hand, one gets the result of sipping water. If the sacred thread is kept on such a sacred right ear, then there is no impurity. Yatha- Nivini Dakshin Karne Yagyopaveetam Kritvaa Mootrapurishe Visrajet. That is, it is necessary to keep the sacred thread on the right ear at the time of impurity and urination. This act also proves to be suitable for informing one's impure state. After washing hands and feet and gargling, remove the sacred thread from the ear. The scientific reason behind this rule is that the part of the body above the navel is considered sacred for religious activities and the part below it is considered impure.
The scientific reason for giving so much importance to the right ear is that the nerves of this ear, the genitals and the testicles are inseparably related. There is a possibility of a subtle semen discharge during urination. Wrapping the right ear in Brahmasutra protects against the destruction of sperm. This has also been proved from the point of view of Ayurveda. If one has frequent nocturnal emissions, then the disease is cured by tying a thread in the right ear of boys who urinate in bed, this tendency is stopped. By holding the right ear of any unruly animal, it becomes calm instantly. There are seven causes of hydrocele. Urinary hydrocele is one of them. Urinary hydrocele is countered by wrapping the right ear in a thread. For all these reasons, there is a scriptural injunction to keep the sacred thread on the right ear while urinating and defecating.
The Janeu, also known as Yagnopavit or the sacred thread, is an important symbol in Hinduism, particularly for Brahmins and those undergoing the Upanayana ceremony. When donning the Janeu, a specific mantra is recited. The most common mantra for wearing the Janeu is: "ॐ यज्ञोपवीतं परमं पवित्रं, प्रजापतेर्यत्सहजं पुरस्तात्। आयुष्यं अग्र्यं प्रतिमुञ्च शुभ्रं, यज्ञोपवीतं बलमस्तु तेजः।"
Meaning of the Mantra:
This mantra translates to: "The Yagnopavita (sacred thread) is supremely pure, born of Prajapati (the creator), and is auspicious. It is more radiant than a flower. May this Yagnopavita bestow upon me long life, strength, and brilliance".
Other Mantras and Practices:
Gayatri Mantra:
It is also customary to recite the Gayatri mantra 11 times while donning the Janeu.
Purification Mantra:
Before wearing the Janeu, a purification mantra may be recited: "ॐ आपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा। यः स्मरेत्पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यंतरः शुचिः॥"
Mantra for Changing the Janeu:
ॐ यज्ञोपवीतमसि यज्ञस्य त्वोपवीतेनोपनह्यामि ।
When changing an old Janeu, a specific mantra is used to relinquish the old one and welcome the new.
Janeu Removal Mantra:
There is also a mantra for removing the Janeu.
ॐ एतावद्दिनपर्यन्तं ब्रह्म त्वं धारितं मया। जीर्णत्वात्तवत्परित्यागो गच्छ सूत्र यथासुखम ।।
Significance of the Janeu:
The Janeu is more than just a thread; it symbolizes a commitment to spiritual growth, learning, and upholding moral values. It marks the beginning of the Brahmacharya (student) stage of life and signifies the individual's connection to their cultural heritage and spiritual path.