Upanayana Sa?sk?ra Vis-A-Vis Sandhy?vandanam for Refined Personality

Abstract

Upanayana sa?sk?ra (thread ceremony), one among the ?o?a?a sa?sk?ras (sixteen ritual) described in Indian culture - Hindu philosophy, is the right through which a man is initiated into the vows of the guru, the Vedas (wisdom), the restrains (penance), observances, values and vicinity of God (ideals). It is an important sa?sk?ra performed in the crucial adolescent age of an individual, with a view to boost the physical, psychological, moral, social and spiritual life of an individual. In the present scenario, the increasing use of modern gadgets, indiscreet use of social media, inadequate moral education have resulted in lowered concentration levels, diminished memory, deteriorating practical skills besides increased stress-anxiety-depression levels in adolescents.

Upanayana sa?sk?ra is being observed just as a symbolic ceremony in most part of the society who perform it, while only very selected few have understanding of the core intention of it as included in the ancient Indian classics. This article is an earnest attempt to briefly apprehend and analyze a few aspects of the Upanayana sa?sk?ra such as the season and time of performance, the age, the Kaupi?na, Yagnopavita, Sandhy?vandanam, G?yatri japa and such others and their contribution in enhancing the physical, intellectual, psychological and social wellbeing with specific reference to Indian classical Vedic literature. As Vedic literature strongly described, meaningful performance of Upanayana sa?sk?ra followed by regular practice of Sandhy?vandanam will not only enhance scholastic performance but also bring about comprehensive development of an individual and discipline in the society.