The Upanayanam

Upanayanam or the thread ceremony marks the entry to second life. Prior to the ceremony a child is considered ‘once-born’, the physical birth the second birth is a spiritual birth. This is a knowledge ceremony used to initiate the process of learning, knowledge and development of adult intelligence. This ceremony should be conducted when the child reaches 8 years. This ceremony is meant to mold the personality of the child to become a responsible human being.

Traditionally , this rite of passage served to introducethe devotee in to religious life. In the presence of a guru , or holy teacher the boy shaves his head and dons a saffron robe. he renounces all material possessions and the recives the sacred thread.