I am soon going to undertake Upanayana(Yagnopavitam) and I was researching and I couldn't find any straight answer to my question and I would be grateful for any help.
1 Answer
The sacred thread is not considered just as an ordinary thread. Before wearing one, it has to undergo a process called Samskara, which is a purificatory ritual that is aimed at invoking the presence of various deities on the 9 threads and the 3 knots.
The relevant Mantras can be found on page 55 of the prayoga book called "Nitya Karma Puja Prakasha".
Transliteration
Prathamotantau Om omkaram avahayami | Dvitiyatantau agni avahayami | ..... Prathamagranthau Om Brahmane namah, Brahmanam avahayami | Dvitiyagranthau Om Vishnave namah, Vishum avahayami | Trityagranthau Om Rudraya namah, Rudram avahayami ||
So, what these mantras say is that in the Yajnopavita there are 9 interwined threads and 3 knots. In the 9 threads Om, Agni, Sarpa, Soma .. Surya, Viswadevas are invoked.
And, on the 3 knots (Granthi), the Trinities are invoked viz - Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra in that order.
Translations of the bold portions are as follows:
Prathamagranthau Om Brahmane namah, Brahmanam avayami - In the first knot, Om salutations to Lord Brahma, I am inviting the presence of Brahma on this knot.
Similarly for the other two knots.
Therefore, the 3 knots represent the Trinities - Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra and their presence on the sacred thread.
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I always had this doubt, so those who wear janoi can't eat nonveg even they eat earlier right Dec 5, 2019 at 4:32
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1No it is not exactly like that. Many people used to wear the thread and still ate meat. But in todays time Brahmins (who mostly wear the thread) usually don't eat non-veg.@user2225190 You have to follow the tradition of ur family and region.– RickrossDec 5, 2019 at 6:05
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1Nice answer. Swami Vivekananda says 3 knots are for controlling Body mind Sences and another acharya 3 gunas. Are there any references for these ? Jun 17, 2021 at 7:12
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