Traditions and Samskaras - Upanayanam etc

Sometime back as part of "Children Series", mainly addressing Dhruv, I had written a brief piece about the significance of Upanayana samskara. Subsequently, in response to some interpretations given by Naresh about the Gayathri japam, I had also written about our Acharyal's version of its unique import.
Now as part of the "samskara" series, I thought I would elaborate on these two a bit more, and treat it as the next part in our series on "Traditions and Samskaras" which is titled Upanayanam & Brahmopadesam.

The word "upa" means bringing near; Upa neeayate iti Upanayanam. An initiation into the sacred study of Vedas, scriptures, behaviourial conduct, etc by taking the boy to an eminent Guru is roughly the meaning of the word "upanayanam".

Another term used for this is "upaakarma" - An initiation ceremony to acquire competence to do one's prescribed karma, with the commencement of study of the vedas, thru a guru, is another meaning.

As part of the ceremony the parent, gives a thread to the boy( who is to be initiated) to be worn. This is more commonly known as the "yagnya upaveetham" and has three strands, to constantly remind the wearer about the debts owed to (a) parents (b) the guru and (c) the devas.

After this the father initiates the boy with the "Gayathri Mantra" ( that which protects the one who cogitates) . The mantra exemplifies that ultimate truism of "Non Dual" Brahman, and is therefore referred to as "brahmopadesa". The boy the is sent to a "gurukul" ( akin to modern day boarding school), where the Guru takes him as his ward. Since the faith is that the boy takes a re-birth as Gurus son, the boy who has the yagnyopaveetham is referred to as a "dwija" meaning twice born. It takes minimum 16 years for this boy to get well versed in Vedas, scriptures, rituals etc.

Now to the import of "gayathri" mantra, as expounded by our acharyal, and in my own limited understanding, together with word by word meanings;

1. Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Suvaha, are 3 of the 7 lokas (refer pranayamam..janaha tapaha etc), with the prefix "Aum" we get the meaning. Bhuhu, bhuvaha and suvaha are 3 lokas, represented by "aum" which is just a manifestation of "brahmn"

2. "Thath" again representing the Brahmn as in "thathwam asi"

3. Savithuhu: one who gives fruits of one's actions, or the creator

4. Varenyam : The word mumukshu means persons desirous of moksham, varenyam is the ultimate object of the desire of the mumukshus

5. Bhargaha : the light which removes darkness.

6. Devasya: the one who is "prakasha swaroopa" his,

7. Dhheemahi: meditating with the consciousness of "I Am Him"

8. Dhiyaha : (For want of a better word) the functioner of our anthakaran ( Chith, manas, budhi, and ahankaram)

9. Yaha: that inner self or athma,

10. Naha : our

11. Prachodayaath : inspires .

The full meaning would therefore translate to

" I meditate on that Universal non-dual Brahman, -who inspires our anthakaran, who is the creator, and who is the giver of fruits of our actions, the remover of darkness, the prakasha swaroopa, and one who is the ultimate object of the desirous Mumukshus, - in pure consciousness of "I Am Him"

Hope you all like it folks

Love Vichu