Why should the Yajnopavita be placed over the right ear during defecation and urination?

Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya

General

The Vyāsa Smriti gives the answer:

“Ādityāḥ Vasavaḥ Rudrāḥ Vāyuḥ Agniścha Dharmarāṭ |
Puṣkarādyāni tīrthāni Gaṅgādyāḥ saritastathā |
Viprasya dakṣiṇe karṇe nivasanti sadā ||”

Meaning:

In the right ear of a Brahmin, the following are said to reside:

• Ādityas (Sun deities)
• Vasus
• Rudras
• Vāyu (Air)
• Agni (Fire)
• Dharmarāja
• Sacred tīrthas (holy places) like Pushkara
• Holy rivers like Ganga

Because of this, the right ear is considered highly sacred.

Reason for wearing it on the right ear:

• During excretion, the body becomes impure
• To protect the sacred thread from impurity, it is placed on the right ear
• Since the right ear is sacred, it is the appropriate and prescribed place

Conclusion:

• The Yajñopavīta should be worn on the right ear only during such times
• It should not be worn on the left ear
• This practice helps maintain the purity and sanctity of the sacred thread

Previous     |     Next