The significance of the sacred white thread worn by Hindus

Janeu is a strand of sacred white threads worn by Hindus around their left shoulders. It is associated with sacrifice, spirituality and is indicative of a person’s learning and acquiring knowledge phase. Upanayana, meaning initiation or passage towards enlightenment through learning, and Yagnopavita are other terms used for it. There is a gross misunderstanding that Janeu can or was only worn by the higher castes. It was and can be worn by anyone. Read on to understand why.

Embarkment of formal education

In Hinduism, the journey or passages through different stages of life right from conception to cremation are marked as various Sanskaras. Each of these phases is celebrated with rituals in presence of family, teachers, priests and the almighty. Upanayana is one such stage wherein the child begins his or her journey of formal education and quest for knowledge. According to the four ashrams, or stages of life, wearing a Janeu establishes the entry into life as a Brahamachari, a student, learner. It also depicts how the child will from then on be introduced to Brahman, Universe, and the values it has to offer. The holy thread is believed to make the student focus solely on developing mentally and intellectually, keeping distractions at par and wandering off evil spirits.

It is made up of three threads that symbolically represent Hindu goddesses Parvati of strength, Laxmi of wealth and Saraswati of knowledge. To lead a happy and peaceful life, the ample presence of these three components is essential. The number also reminds the child of his service, commitment and gratitude towards the three prime seniors of his life; parents who brought him into the world, guru or mentor who guides him in life through his teachings and god, the ultimate supreme power that protects and nourishes him. A balance between the three gunas; Sattva, Rajas and Tamas is also strived for. Through the ceremony, the student is officially accepted by his teacher and is spiritually invited to the school of Hinduism.

In earlier days, it was considered crucial to conduct this event before the child commences his learning of alphabets and studies in general. Now, it can be worn at ages five, seven, nine, eleven and up to twelve.

Process of ceremony and Scientific benefits 

The Janeu is a cotton thread ideally sported by Brahmins, the priests and highest caste of Hinduism. Kshatriyas and even Vaishyas in certain cultures wear the sacred thread but made out of hempen and wool respectively. Cotton is deemed to be a pure material and fabric woven out of it is often used for religious practises in Hinduism.

For a child, three threads have to be worn, but as one progresses towards married life, the threads have to be changed to six. Following this, the boy is also known as Dvija, twice-born, after it as it takes him through a new and different life voyage from that moment onwards.

Religious prayers are performed on the holy thread by Brahmins or priests through which good, positive energies and vibrations are passed onto it. The thread is then tied in a circular way around the left shoulder through the chest and back. A holy chant, Gayatri Mantra is then recited by the child which is taught to him by his father, his first teacher. This sacred chant is recited during many similar Hindu occasions as well. Most cultures believe in getting the boy’s head shaved during this process as it is of welcoming growth, by getting rid of associations from previous birth so to speak. Some amount of hair remains on the head, known as Shikha, which increases the energy flow amongst the seven spiritual chakras, energy focal points.

The thread on the shoulder expresses the ability to bear life’s burdens with tolerance and patience. As the Janeu passes through the heart and spine, it displays and empowers faith and commitment by putting one’s soul and hard work into attaining things.

Besides the aforementioned religious benefits leading towards enlightenment through knowledge, this Hindu practice holds scientific advantages too. The left side of the body is correlated with the right side of the brain, helping in expanding the grasping and cognitive powers. As Janeu constantly touches the heart, it provides a healthy amount of regular pressure on it keeping heart diseases and extreme blood pressures at bay.

The head is often shaved to even stimulate the growth of nerve endings on the head, wherein lies one of the most important organs of the body.

While urinating, defecating or performing any impure acts, the Janeu is to be tied around the right ear. By doing so, the nerves at that location improve and regulate one’s bladder and gut health, helping avoid conditions like constipation and kidney stones. It also aids in concentration and memorising, enabling the child to do better at studies.

This white holy thread is to be worn at all times and changed only when there is an account of either birth or death in the family and replaced with a new one. Ideally, it is worn by male children only, but some cultures observe the Janeu being worn around the neck by women too.