Understanding the sacred threads: At the age of seven, boys undergo an upanayanam or a thread ceremony ritual. This ritual signifies a transition point in a boy’s life. It is the marker to begin a study of scriptures.

As part of the ritual, the boy wears a thread of three strands going across his shoulder to the waist. This thread called yagnopaveetham is to be on the body, all the time.

Nowadays, the thread ceremony is not necessarily done at the age of seven. Many elders and practitioners of tradition accept a compromise. At least have the ceremony performed rather than discarding the practice.

The procedures and process of the actual ritual are not detailed here. That is a ritualistic procedural discussion, better addressed with a priest. This article is on the spiritual aspects and handling of the thread during ablutions.

Our attire influences our thoughts and feeling. Wearing a suit as an example for an interview may give confidence and prepare us to give our best. In a similar vein, the threads can influence our thoughts. Traditional and individual beliefs guide the meaning of its influence.

• It could represent the three modes of character – goodness, passion, and ignorance.

• The thread could represent an oath or vow. It could be towards committed learning. A vow towards being a dutiful son and a vow for the betterment of society.

• There is also a view that the thread symbolizes an umbilical cord connecting us to divinity.

• Then there is a meaning that I like. Each strand represents a force within us. The energy of assertion, calmness, and the energy balancing assertion and calmness. When we tap into the balance of assertion and calmness then we move into a state of peace or tranquility.

In many Hindu sects, having the yagnopaveetham is also a prerequisite for marriage. Another thread of three strands is added to symbolize marital status. The pair of three threads highlight the responsibility of married life.

For a girl, as part of the wedding rituals, the man ties a yellow thread around her neck. This yellow thread is the mangalasutra (mangala – auspicious, sutra – thread). Yellow like the auspicious rays of the sun does the wife bring life into a marriage.

Earlier practices had the sutra to be a thread with three knots. The three knots had a spiritual meaning. They implied communion through mind, speech, and actions on both sides.

As traditions evolved, a gold chain replaced the thread with three knots. However, to symbolize sacredness, pendants with symbols of divinity are strung onto the chain. The sanctity is not in the monetary value of the gold chain but is in the belief and importance of the thread. Like the yagnopaveetham, the practices call for the mangalsutra to be always adoring the neck of a married woman (please stay tuned for an article “mangalsutra – is it mandatory?”.

Like the topic of divinity during morning ablutions, a similar one arises on the handling of the sacred threads. “What should we do with yagnopaveetham or mangalsutra during our morning ablutions? Should we take it out and then wear it back?”

A spiritual scripture like the Upanishads or Gita would not deal with this subject. The yagnopaveetham or mangalasutra are traditional (sampradaya) practices. In that regard, there isn’t an authoritative answer to the question.

An alternative answer should balance the sanctity of the thread and the practical aspects of daily life.

To this end, I’ve provided some common practices below (please also see the variations):

• During the morning ablutions or while taking a bath, wrap the yagnopaveetham on the right or left ear. Lifting the thread prevents it from interfering with the cleansing process during ablutions
• Wear the yagnopaveetham as a chain around the neck. After bathing, put it back in its original position
• Since mangalasutra is already a chain, married women can continue to wear it during morning ablutions.
• Sometimes the length of the chain is long or interferes with easy movement. Then shorten the chain to a length such that it extends only till the upper chest area.

Variations:

Usually, once a year, an individual discards and wears a new yagnopaveetham. The timing aligns with an event called upakarma. This symbolizes the commencement of new learning. More on upakarma in a later article.

In circumstances where the thread gets damaged or worn out, the individual can wear a new one. In hot weather, a worn-out or old thread can develop an abrasive feeling. Rather than suffering from skin issues, it is better to put on a new thread.

When the mangalasutra chain needs repair, the husband can tie a yellow thread as a substitute. The same applies to any other situation which requires the removal of a chain.

One may dismiss the wearing of the yagnopaveetham or mangalasutra as unnecessary paraphernalia. We can always rationalize to say a thread is not needed to develop or instill the desired intentions.

Such discussions are unnecessary chatter. The practice is a tradition with an emotional feel. Hence there is no debate or justify rationality. When a traditional practice is harmless, then they are best left as a societal norm. Sometimes these are necessary. They help individuals and families to come together and develop commonality.

Of course, there will be instances where practices should have practical reality. In all such cases, we should deal with them with common sense and not get trapped in any superstition or fear.

Handling of the sacred threads during morning ablutions falls in the category of abhigamana (mental and physical cleansing)