Upanayanam services are available from pandits and temples, and include the sacred thread ceremony, also known as the thread ceremony.

Services

Upanayanam ceremony:

A rite of passage for boys to enter education and spiritual learning

• Gayatri Mantra recitation: The boy recites the Gayatri Mantra, which is considered the greatest teaching
• Guidance from a guru: The boy receives guidance from a guru
• Wearing the sacred thread: The boy wears the sacred thread (Yagnopavitam) across his left shoulder

Who offers Upanayanam services

• Pandits: Pandits may offer personalized services, cater to smaller gatherings, and provide guidance on how to incorporate modern elements while respecting traditions
• Temples: Some temples offer Upanayanam services

What is Upanayanam

• Upanayanam is a Hindu ritual of initiation that marks the male child’s entrance upon the life of a student
• It is traditionally regarded as equivalent to new birth in the spiritual world
• It is an initiation process to learn the sacred Gayatri mantra

Other names

The sacred thread is also referred to as Janeu, Jandhyam, Pūṇūl, Muñja and Janivara Yonya