Upakarma

Upakarma

Understanding Upakarma

Upakarma is an annual Vedic ceremony typically observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Sravana, which falls in August or September according to the Gregorian calendar, coinciding with the monsoon season. The ritual is known by different names depending on the region: Avani Avittam in Tamil, Jandhyala Punnama in Telugu, and Janivarada Habba in Kannada. This day is also notable for its overlap with other significant events such as Raksha Bandhan and Hayagreeva Jayanthi, the latter honoring the deity associated with knowledge and wisdom.

The term "Upakarma" is derived from the words "Upa," meaning "before," and "Karma," meaning "deed" or "action." It signifies an act performed before the commencement of Vedic studies. The word "Upa" also conveys the sense of being near or closely connected with the Upanishads (Vedas). In essence, Upakarma involves the ceremonial changing of the sacred thread, known as Yagnopaveetham, by members of the three varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas). The ritual also marks the beginning or renewal (Aarambha) of Vedic study, which was historically obligatory for Brahmins.

In ancient times, only those who had undergone the Upanayana Sanskara, which included induction into the Gayatri mantra, were permitted to study the Vedas and Upanishads. The Upakarma ceremony today commemorates this tradition by symbolically renewing the sacred thread and performing rituals that signify the start of Vedic learning.

Upakarma is also considered a day of offering (Samarpana), where the knowledge gained over the past year (Veda Adhyana) is presented at the feet of Lord Hayagreeva or Sri Vedavyasa, in a ritual known as Utsarjana.

Why is Upakarma Performed on this Specific Day?

One might ask why Upakarma is observed on this particular day. The months of Sravana and Bhadrapada fall within the Chaturmasam period, a sacred time dedicated to religious austerities. In earlier times, people would devote six months a year to Vedic studies, beginning with the Upakarma ritual. Although Vedic studies now occur year-round, the tradition of starting with Upakarma continues.

During the monsoon season, travel was difficult, leading people to stay in one place and focus on Vedic studies. This tradition persists among ascetics, who use the Chaturmasam period to perform austerities and engage in the study of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Another reason for observing Upakarma on this day is its alignment with Hayagreeva Jayanthi. According to legend, Lord Hayagreeva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the deity of knowledge, appeared on this day to restore the lost Vedas to the world. To honor this, Upakarma is observed as the commencement of Vedic studies, with the Yagnopaveetham being changed to signify that Vedic learning cannot begin without the Upanayana Sanskara.

When Should Upakarma Be Observed?

Although Upakarma is generally held on the full moon day of Sravana Masa, the specific timing depends on the Vedic branch a person belongs to. The Vedas are divided into four branches: Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda. Since ancient times, people have followed one of these branches according to their family lineage.

The timing of Upakarma varies according to the Vedic branch:

• Rig Veda: Observed during Sravana Masa when Sravana Nakshatra, Panchami Tithi, and Hastha Nakshatra occur during Shukla Paksha, with Sravana Nakshatra being the most significant.
• Yajur Veda: Held on the full moon day (Pournami) of Sravana Masa, provided the Pournami Tithi extends beyond Sangavakala and coincides with Pratipada, not Chaturdasi.
• Sama Veda: Upakarma is performed on the day of Hastha Nakshatra during Bhadrapada Masa.
• Atharvana Veda: It can be observed on either Sravana Pournami or Bhadrapada Pournami.

These guidelines apply to both those who perform Upakarma regularly (Nithya) and those doing it for the first time (Noothana).

When Should Upakarma Not Be Observed?

Upakarma should not be performed on specific days, such as:

• During Adhika Masa (Mala Masa) or when there is an eclipse (Grahana).
• If the day coincides with Guru or Sukra Moudyami (Guru/Sukra Astha).
• If there is Jaataasoucha (birth impurity) or Mruthaasoucha (mourning) in the family.

For those performing Upakarma for the first time, it should also not be observed if it coincides with Sankramana.

What if Upakarma Cannot Be Performed on the Scheduled Day?

For followers of Rig Veda and Yajur Veda, if the Sravana Nakshatra or Pournami is not available as scheduled, Upakarma can be performed on the Panchami or Hastha Nakshatra day during Shukla Paksha (for Rig Vedis) and Pournami (for Yajur Vedis) in any of the months of Sravana, Bhadrapada, or Aashada.

Similarly, for Sama Vedis, Upakarma can be held during Sravana Masa on the day of Hastha Nakshatra.

What is Yagnopaveetha Samskara?

Steps to Wear a New Yagnopaveetham:

1. Perform the Necessary Samskara: The Yagnopaveetham should not be worn directly from the shop without performing the required rituals. This includes Guru Vandana, Vighneswara Prarthana, Aachamana, Pranayama, and Sankalpa.
2. Sanctify the Yagnopaveetham: Place the Yagnopaveetham on a copper, silver, or brass plate, sprinkle it with water while reciting the Gayatri Mantra, and apply turmeric and kumkum.
3. Invoke the Presiding Deities: Perform Jalaabhimanthranam, Praana-Pratishta, and invoke the presiding deities of Brahma Granthi (Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra) and Navathanthu (Omkaara, Agni, Naaga, Soma, Pitru Devathas, Prajapati, Vaayu, Surya, and Vishve-Devathas).
4. Recite the Yagnopaveetha Dharana Mantra: Perform Aachamana and recite the Gayatri Mantra ten times. Hold the Yagnopaveetham with both hands, with the knot facing upwards, and wear it over the left shoulder and under the right arm.

How to Remove an Old Yagnopaveetham:

1. Recite the Visarjana Mantra: Remove the old Yagnopaveetham from below the navel without touching the feet, after reciting the Visarjana Mantra and performing Dasa Gayathri.
2. Dispose of It Properly: The old Yagnopaveetham should be dropped into water or placed on a tree and should not be thrown away carelessly.

Final Steps

Complete the ritual with Abhivaadana and Samarpana, dedicating it to Lord Krishna with the prayer "Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu."