Thursday, April 25, 2024

The Upanayana Ceremony: A Rite Of Passage Towards Knowledge

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Upanayana was in news recently, thanks to certain “woke” individuals shaming Hindus. On the 25th of April, a mother posted pictures of her son’s upanayana ceremony on Twitter with the intention of sharing her joy with others. However, the post received negative attention from anti-Brahmin individuals.

Hatred For Hindu Practices

Dilip Mandal, an author and member of the Editors Guild, commented on the post and criticised the ceremony. He added that it was not a tradition in their Hindu families. He even questioned why the boy was wearing strange clothes and appeared unhappy.

Nitin Meshram demanded legal action against the family. He is a lawyer who had previously ensured a rapist of a 4-year-old child received a life sentence instead of capital punishment. He argued that Upanayana violated Articles 15 and 17 of the Constitution and must be considered a criminal offense. However, he has no qualms in representing and pleading for a child rapist!

Know About Upanayana

The Upanayana ceremony is a significant event in the life of a young boy in the Hindu tradition. It marks the beginning of his formal education and initiates him into the world of learning. A priest performs a series of rituals, making it a deeply spiritual experience.

उपनयनसंस्कार – गौडीय वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय में (केवल अङ्ग्रेजी/गुरुण्डा/यावनी में) / Upanayana-saṁskāra in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Sampradāya – His Holiness Gurupadacarya Ramkrishna Swami
PC gurupadacarya

During the ceremony, the boy wears traditional attire, and the priest ties a sacred thread around his waist, symbolizing his connection with the divine. The priest also gives the boy a sacred mantra, which he should recite every day as part of his routine.

First Step To Education And Knowledge

The Upanayana ceremony highlights the importance of education and knowledge in the Hindu tradition. It encourages young boys to strive for excellence in their chosen fields of study and use their knowledge for the betterment of society. The ceremony reminds us of India’s cultural heritage. It is also of historical significance as a center of excellence in various fields of study.

The word Upanayana means “to lead towards” in Sanskrit. The ceremony is typically performed between the ages of eight and twelve and was previously reserved for the upper castes.

However, it has become common among all castes and communities over time.

The Upanayana ceremony emphasizes the importance of the guru or teacher, who plays a crucial role in guiding the student towards knowledge and wisdom. It is a reminder that education is not only about acquiring information but also developing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.

Conclusion

The Upanayana ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful tradition in the Hindu culture that inspires young boys to embark on a journey of learning and self-discovery. It is a ceremony that brings back memories of a knowledge-centered civilisation and emphasises the importance of education and knowledge in today’s world. Who will explain it to the haters?

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