*Pranam*
*Embracing Knowledge: Sacred Thread and Women*
1 The sacred thread is a marker of Wisdom and Knowledge but associated to
men. However, here are women who are seen wearing them.
2 Sacred thread is an important marker of knowledge, especially Vedic
knowledge. As symbol of initiation of young Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya
into studentship this ceremony is in practice till date.
3 Shiva are often represented wearing naga as his sacred thread instead of
the cotton threads. This Ganesha panel from Sindhudurga in Maharastra is
shown wearing naga-janeu like his father God Shiva.
4 In the Vedic era girls too underwent Yajnopaveet sanskar and received
knowledge of Vedas from great seers and saints in the Brahmacharya ashram.
Later Manu-Smriti limited it only to boys.
5 Fierce female goddesses like Mahisasurmardini is often depicted wearing
sacred thread to indicate her strength and knowledge at par with male gods.
A stone relief of Durga from Andhra Pradesh.
6 Female scholars like Gargi and Lopmudra are known to have undergone
Upanayan Sanskar. Maitreyi, Visvavara, Apala, Indrani, Urvashi, Ghosha, and
Sachi are also well known scholars in Indian history.
7 Incarnations of Parvati as Meenakshi & Ganga are often represented
wearing janeu along with their all other ornaments. This could simply imply
their knowledge and wisdom at par with other male gods.
8 There are references of women wearing their janeu around their neck like
necklace instead of on their shoulder and torso unlike their male counter
parts.
8A Rig Veda Upakarma falls on the day of Sravana Star in Sravana Masam
Yajur Veda Upakarma falls on the Full Moon day in Sravana Masam
Sama Veda Upakarma falls on the day of Hastha Star in Bhadrapada Masam.
9 Yagnopaveetham Navatantu Nirmitam.: It is said that Yagnopaveetham is
made up of nine layers of woven cotton thread spun by a virgin girl and
twisted by a Brahmana reciting the great ‘gayatri mantra’ on an auspicious
day. The length of the sacred thread used for making Yagnopaveetham as per
the scripturess should be 96 breadths of four fingers measured by ones own
hand. Thickness of the sacred thread Yagnopaveetham should be of a mustard
seed size.
10 Meaning of arithmetic of number 96 in Yagnopaveetham It is said that
‘Gayatri Mantra’ has 24 letters, and when it is added together from four
Vedas it becomes 96 (24×4). This gives the power or eligibility to a
‘Dvija’ to perform Yagna or Yagas and to recite Gayatrri Mantra. Four
fingers represent the four states of the soul a man experiences from time
to time (waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep, and absolute brahmanahood)
There is another arithmetic to this number, that is, a human body comprises
of 25 elements made up of three Gunas (Satva, Rajo, Tamo). We have 16
tithis in our Panchanga / calendar, 27 Stars in the almanac, 4 Vedas, 6
Rutus in three Seasons (summer, winter and monsoon), and 12 months. When
all these are added together (25+3+16+27+4+6 +3+12) it comes to 96. It is
said that a human life rotates around these elements. Significance of Nine
layers: It is said that nine layers represent nine Devatas. These Devatas
who are the presiding deities of Yagnopaveetham.
11 About Yagnopaveetham Colour: As per the scriptures, it is said that
the sacred thread Yagnopaveetham should be white in color for Brahmanas,
red in color for Kshatriyas and yellow in color for Vysyas. But in practice
we find people using Yagnopaveetham which is white in colour. Quality: As
per the scriptures, it is said that the sacred thread Yagnopaveetham should
be made using cotton for Brahmanas, silk for Kshatriyas and linen for
Vysyas. But in practice we find people using Yagnopaveethams made from
cotton. { However there are no texts in Vedas describing as such; however
the sutras for dharma in the north have such writings which is unsupported
in Vedas, }
12 Brahma Granti: As per the scriptures, it is prescribed that the
Yagnopaveetham should have knots equivalent to the number of Pravaras in
one’s Gotra. But in practice we find only one knot for the Yagnopaveetham.
The knot with which the three strands are tied together is called ‘Brahma
Granti’.
13 This signifies the ParaBrahma (Pranavam) who is sakala Veda Swaroopa,
that Bhagavan Sri Maha Visnu. There are many interpretations about the
three strands of Yagnopaveetham. It symbolizes the three Lords (that is,
Brahma Vishnu, Maheswara) when tied together it becomes Para Brahma, three
worlds (Bhu, Bhuvar, Suvar), three feminine energies (Lakshmi, Sarasvathi
and Durga), and three tatvas or qualities (Satva, Rajo, Tamo). It is also
interpreted as three strands representing Ida, Pingala and Sushumna naadi,
through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness.
The three strands also indicate that one who wears it should have a triple
control over his mind speech and body (thought, word and deed)
14 Dvija mean (dvi + ja = twice + born) twice born. There is no
difference between one child and another at the time of birth. All are born
out of the mother’s womb only. This is the first stage of life (Shudra).
The second stage is getting the upadesha of gayathri at the time of
Upanayanam, that is, when the boy becomes a Dvija or twice-born. He is then
purified. The third stage is Vipra, when one has mastered the study of all
the Vedas. The fourth stage is Brahmana when he actually realizes the
Brahman (Bhagavan Sri Maha Vishnu) through the knowledge of the Self. One
becomes a Brahmana not by birth, but only when one he realizes the Supreme
Brahman (Bhagavan Sri Vishnu). One becomes a Brahmana by action and not by
birth. Why should we wear a Yagnopaveetham Wearing Yagnopaveetham, will
increase longevity of the person who wears it and gives physical and mental
strength through the worship of Sri Surya Deva using Gayatri Mantra for
which one would have been initiated during his Upanayanam. By wearing
Yagnopaveetham one gets purified both externally and internally. By wearing
Yagnopaveetham one gets eligibility to perform spiritual and sacred rituals
(Srouta/Smarta Karmas) as prescribed in Vedas for his Varna. Sacred rituals
performed by wearing Yagnopaveetham give good, better and best results
15 It is a prerequisite for learning Vedas and also for marriage
Yagnopaveetham significances The Vedic connection that a child lost when
the umbilical cord is cut is re-established in the form of Yagnopaveetham.
Means, in other words, Yagnopaveetham serves as an umbilical cord that
connects him, not just his immediate parents, not just the three
generations, but the entire tree of generations and the Rishi on whose root
the whole tree flourished.
16 The three strands remind the wearer that he has to pay off the three
debts (Runas) he owes to the ancient seers, ancestors, and to the Gods
(Rishi Runa, Pitru Runa, and Daiva Runa). Yagnopaveetham is not a mere
symbol to identify a community.
17 One who wears a Yagnopaveetham may not necessarily be a Brahmana and
one who does not wear a Yagnopaveetham may not be a non-Brahmana either.
Yagnopaveetham has the sanctity of its own and one has to qualify himself
for wearing it, not by birth alone but also by practice. He alone is a
Brahmana who does his ‘nitya karma’, follows the path of Sanatana Dharma
and remains free from ego, avarice, anger and pride.
18 Uses of a Yagnopaveetham for the one whom the world knows as a
Brahmin Yagnopaveetham is not something that is worn for the world to know.
It is for the realization of Brahman (Bhagavan Sri Maha Vishnu) within. But
one who has thrown away his Yagnopaveetham, but has led a life of truth is
nobler compared to the one who wears his Yagnopaveetham but does nothing to
justify it is also incorrect. Also one who wears the Yagnopaveetham and
doesn’t performs his duties as per his varna, then also it is incorrect.
Both are very important. That is, wearing Yagnopaveetham is also important
and also we need to perform our duties as per our varna. Yagnopaveetham is
a passport to obtain Vedic education. Yagnopaveetham is the mark of formal
entry into Brahmana hood. Yagnopaveetham gives the power and authority to
pursue his spiritual path.
KR IRS 23222 NB Vishwakarma, who are architects, are considered a brahmin
though falls in the 4th Varna (Ravanan is a brahmin thus). (Vide Pulastiya
history). Hence, they even today wear Poonul around the same functions as
us; it is not done by some 3rd rate vadhyars like our Singapore man who
does it out of animosity and otherwise, but rules do permit it. Nagercoil
is a place where many Vishwakarma tribe reside. KR IRS 23222
On Tue, 22 Feb 2022 at 14:47, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <
[email protected]> wrote:
> QUES ANSW DIVINE 2-2022-22
>
> Dear friends,
>
> These are information compiled as QA by me in 1998’s-2004’s and stored in
> my computer. They are posted by *learnt members*. QA on Ameda temple is
> based
> on temple booklet.
>
> *BEING COMPILATION THERE MAY BE ERRORS.*
>
> Sincerely,
>
> *R. Gopalakrishnan, 78, dated 22-02-2022*
>
> Q1 It is known the sanctum sanctorum is dedicated to Sapthamathrukkal in
> Ameda temple. Ques- Name the saptha mathrukkal
>
> A1 The sanctum sanctorum in Ameda temple is dedicated to Sapthamathrukkal,
> viz:
>
> *Veerabhadran, Ganapathy, Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kowmari, Vaishnavi,
> Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi*
>
>
>
> Q2 Which are the Vedas recited in Ameda temple?
>
> A2 The chanting of Rig Veda, Yejur Veda and Sama Veda from the precincts
> of the 'Sreekovil'
>
> Q3 What are the special attributes of Ameda temple?
>
> A3 Most important- The 'Snake Songs ' accompanied with single string
> veena from the premises elevate oneself to a higher mental plane, leaving
> apart all earthily concerns. Snake song is sung by specified *Pulluvar
> family* for Generations here.
>
> The lamp originally lighted by Lord Parasurama is still in the 'Sreekovil'.
>
> *Sarpabali and Ashtanagapooja* are the two most important offerings in
> the Ameda temple. The offerings are done in order to avoid the "Rahudosha"
> and for attaining "Sarpapreethi".
>
> The Specialist Veda Scholars of Kerala stay here and perform the Murajapam
> for about 4-5 days in the temple.
>
> *Murajapam means chanting of Vedas inside the "Sreekovil*". This is done
> mainly for the prosperity of the temple and that of the devotees. Murajapam
> is conducted for 2-3 times in a year.
>
>
>
> The 3 doors of Ameda temple Sreekovil will be opened only for 2 days in a
> year. One is on the 41st day of Guruthy pooja and next is on the "Aarattu"
> day of main festival on "Uthram" star. *On the rest of the days, only 2
> doors of the temple will be opened.*
>
> Q4 What is the speciality of Sarpa bali in Ameda temple?
>
> A4The offerings are done in order to avoid the "Rahudosha" and for
> attaining "Sarpapreethi".
>
> *These offerings will be conducted only on suitable days selected from
> from Malayalam Calendar( Panchangam).*
>
> The offerings can be booked early in Ameda temple counter. This offering
> will be conducted only during evening time, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
>
> *My note-I have visited the temple a few times.* Temple is near
> Nadakkavu Junction( 3 KMs towards Kottayam from Tripoonithura is *natakkavu
> junction_)*. The temple is famous for suddham and cleanliness of the
> premises. It is a private temple.
>
> Q5 What is the offering Kindi Eriyal and Poovattaka Kamizhthal in Ameda
> temple?
>
> A5 This is one of the important offerings at Ameda temple. Kindi-Eriyal
> and Poovatta- Kamizhthal are offered to the Sapthamathrukkal. Both these
> offerings are for getting the blessings of the God for Child Birth.
>
> Q6 Whether the sacred thread is something exclusive to Brahmans?
>
> A6 No. This thread is not something exclusive to Brahmans, it is for all
> Aryas
>
> If we go by what Manu says, I Brahman’s poonal is made of cotton, a
> *Kshtriya’s
> poonal of hemp and a vishaya’s poonal is of wool*
>
> Q7 We know there are four Vedas. Which vedins predominate?
>
> A7 Among the followers of the four Vedas, *Yajurvedins predominate*. The
> majority in the North(Brahmins) belong to the Sukla-Yajurveda while most
> people in the South belong to Krsna-Yajurveda.
>
> The day on which Yajurvedins perform their upakarma is declared as
> restricted HOLIDAY. There is no such holiday for upakarma of Rgvedins
> and Samavedins. This is because Yajurvedins are in a majority. The
> Purusasukta of the Rgveda occurs with some changes in the Yajurveda.
>
> Q8 Name the son born to Rati and Kama
>
> A8 Kama got married to Rati and produced *Arsh *
> Q9 Do Sama veda had much prominence earlier?
>
> A9 Yes. In the Lalitha-Sahasranama (The One Thousand Names of the Goddess
> Lalitha), Amba has the name of *"Samagana-priya”* (one who delights in
> Samagana); she is not called "Rgveda-priya" or "Yajurveda-priya". In the
> Siva-astottaram ["Siva astottara-satam, the 108 names of Siva], Siva is
> worshipped thus:"*Samapriyaya namah”*
>
> Q10 What is Atharva veda and its details?
>
> A10 Atharvan" means a purohita, a priest. There was a sage with this name.
> *That
> which was revealed by the seer Athrvan is the Atharvaveda.*
>
> It contains mantras with which one wards off misfortunes and disasters and
> brings about the destruction of one's enemies.
>
> The Atharvaveda is a mixture of prose and poetry. The mantras of other
> Vedas also serve the same purpose as those of the Atharvaveda.
>
> *But what is special about the latter is that it has references to
> deities not mentioned in the others and has mantras addressed to fierce
> spirits*
>
> The Atharvaveda, that is its Samhita, is rarely chanted in the North and
> is not heard at all in the South.
>
> But we must remember that of the ten important Upanishads three belong to
> this Veda - Prasna, Mundaka and Mandukya. It is believed that those who
> seek liberation need nothing to realise their goal other than Madukya
> Upanishad.
>
> What has come to be known as "mantrikam" (magical rites) has its source in
> this Veda.
>
> We learn from stone inscriptions that the Atharvaveda had a following
> until some centuries ago. Information about Vedic schools is provided by
> such inscriptions found near Perani, not far from Tindivanam, at Ennayiram
> and a place near Walajabad Even during the reign of the later Cholas the
> Atharvaveda was learned in the Tamil country.
>
> There are eighteen divisions among the Brahmins of *Orissa*. One of them
> is made up of "Atharvanikas", that is *Atharvavedins*. Even today
> Atharvavedins can be met, though their number is small, in parts of *Gujarat
> like Saurashtra and in Kosala*
>
> Q11Whether the Gayathri for Adharvas is different?
>
> A11 Gayatri is the mantra of mantras and it is believed to be the essence
> of the three Vedas -* which means that the Atharvaveda is excluded here.*
>
> *According to one view, before he starts learning the Atharvaveda, a
> brahmacharin must go through a second upanayana ceremony. *
>
> Generaly, the *Gayatri imparted to a child at Brahmopadesa ceremony is
> called "Tripada-Gayatri"* - it is so called because it has three padas or
> three feet.
>
> Each foot encompasses the essential spirit of one Veda, *The Atharvaveda
> has a seperate Gayatri and if people belonging to other Vedas want to learn
> this Veda they have to go through a second upanayana to receive instruction
> in it*.
>
> For the followers of the first three Vedas, however there is only one
> Gayatri and those belonging to any one of them can learn the other two
> Vedas without another upanayana.
>
> Q12 Whwther the Brahmins have accumulated knowledge?
>
> A12 The Munis were the enlightened sages and they passed on their
> knowledge, wisdom and culture through their generations.Every generation
> has gained fresh knowledge by assimilating the new thoughts that emerged
> from time to time. *So a Brahmin embodies the accumulated knowledge of
> all his forefathers who are traced to saints belonging to Vedic past. *
>
> When the embryo of the baby is formed, it inherits all the accumulated
> knowledge of earlier generations but once the baby is born, it severs its
> connection with the past. This detachment is marked by the cutting of
> umbilical cord.
>
>
>
> Q13 Name the king who established the concept of monogamy ?
>
> A13 Rama established the concept of monogamy and he strictly adhered to
> it. Gradually this concept and tradition of monogamy took roots in Indian
> society.
>
> Increasing population and concept of small nuclear family introduced
> by western culture also has pushed the society to accept monogamy
>
> In the decade 1880-90, Sri Ramakrishna has clearly said : *After two
> children husband and wife should live like brother and sister*!!!
> Moreover, although he married Ma Sarada Devi, they never had sexual life
> even once!!!
>
> Higher progress in the realm of spirituality is not possible without
> giving up "*Kamini* and *Kanchana*" -Lust and Gold.
>
> Q14 What are the details of star pair *Arundhathi-Vasishtha* ?
>
> A14 The star pair *Arundhathi-Vasishtha* is in the famous constellation
> Ursa Major. It is also called Big Dipper or Great Bear. In India this
> constellation is called *Saptha Rishi* *mandala *(Seven Sages).
>
> *Vasishtha* is one of the seven *Rishi*s. The star *Arundhathi* is
> difficult to separate from *Vasishta* for people with poor eyesight. In
> India, it is said anecdotally that people who are approaching death can
> not separate *Arundhathi* from *Vasishta *and hence can not see
> *Arundhathi*. Perhaps eye sight has more to do with this. In USA, which
> is in the Northern Hemisphere, Ursa Major is easily visible most of the
> year.
>
> Q15 What is solar month and lunar month?What is Adhika masam?
>
> A15 The basis for solar calendar is the rotation of the Earth around the
> Sun
>
> The lunar calendar is based on the moon’s rotation around the Earth. The
> lunar month corresponds to one complete rotation of Moon around the Earth.
>
> *Since this period of rotation of moon around the earth varies, the
> duration of lunar month also varies. On average, the lunar month has about
> 29 ½ days.*
>
> In general, the lunar year has twelve lunar months of approximately 354
> days, thus making it shorter by about 11 days than the solar year.
>
> However, the lunar calendar accounts for this difference by adding an
> extra lunar month about once every 2½ years.
>
> *This extra lunar month is known as the “Adhik Mas” in India* once about
> every two and half years, the entry of the Moon in the same zodiac sign
> occurs twice while the Sun remains in the same sign.
>
> In other words, when the Sun is traveling through the same zodiac sign,
> the month during which two new moons occur, happens once about every 2 ½
> years.
>
> *The concept of the Adhik mas (the extra month) is similar to the “Blue
> Moon” in the West, which occurs almost with the same frequency of 2 ½**
> years*
>
> *Blue moon is the second full moon when two full moons occur in the same
> month*. around the time of *Adhik Mas,* the successive full moons are
> very likely to occur near the beginning and the end of the same month
>
> Q16 What are the two parts of Vedas?
>
> A16 Vedas were divided into two parts,
> 1) Karma Kanda (ritual portion), and
> 2) Jnana Kanda (knowledge portion - Upanishads).
>
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