Avani Avittam

Yajur Upaakarma Sankalpam

Avani Avittam is an important ritual associated with the Brahmin community in the world. The day is of great significance to Rig, Yajur, Sama Vedic Brahmins. On the next day, we observe Gayatri Japa Sankalmpam. In other parts of South India, the observance is known as Upakarma.

On the day of Avani Avittam, we change the sacred thread worn. It is usually a community observance and takes place on the banks of a pond or river. Avani is the name of the Tamil month and Avittam is one of the 27 nakshatras or stars. On this day, we take a Mahasankalpam or a vow for atonement of all our sins in the past year. The Brahmins take a holy dip and wear a new holy thread called Yajnopavit or Janeyu.

Mantras and Meaning

The first step is a ‘prayashchita’ A prayer to atone the sins. It says, “For the removal of all my sins and thereby to secure a divine blessing. Also for qualifying myself to perform the essential duties of Brahmanas as prescribed in the vedas and smritis”. When the thread is worn another mantra is recited which means -”I put on the sacred thread which is highly pure and inseparable from God. It is capable of prolonging life and is the foremost in the accomplishment of a Brahmana. May such pure Yagnopavita bring strength and dignity.

While removing the old thread, the mantra means -”I throw away the broken dirty old thread, may the new one bring on long life and Brahmana’s brilliance. On this day people make neyyappam at home and ask the male members to have it before they change the sacred thread.

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