KASHMIRI RITUALS

Yagneopavit

A typical Yagneopavit ceremony

It involved performance of a great yagna, in which all the Degas were invited by suitable incantations to bless the children during the course of their initiation to the most sacred mantra - Gayatri mantra - by the Kula Guru (family priest). The Gayatri is symbolized by the three folds of the sacred thread of a fixed length, sanctified by proper incantation, which is worn by the boy on his initiation.

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Yugnopavit - Its Significance Yugnopavit or Upanayana is by far the most important event for a Kashmiri Pandit. There is no equivalent to it is the Western religions. KPI in an effort to educate its US born KP's is reproducing a paper that highlights the significance of this important samskar. The article was received through the courtesy of Moti Kaul, President of Kashmiri Pandit Association Bombay.  >>>		Significance of the Yagneopavit Ceremony In the past, in Bharat Varsha (India), the 'yagneopavit' (thread ceremony) was performed by the people belonging to the three castes - Brahmins, i.e. teachers, professors, ministers and the learned people; Kshatriyas, i.e. people of martial class and rulers; and Vaishyas, i.e. people dealing with agriculture and commerce -  for their children. >>>
Additional Comments The upanayana ceremony was conducted for both sexes in ancient India. Naturally there are similar ceremonies in other countries and cultures. The word for Christians is CONFIRMATION. This is one of the 'sacraments'. The sacrament is a deformed version of SAMASKARA. The jews tie a thread of several strands, others tie on their waist, etc. >>>