Religious significance and traditions of wearing a 'Janai' explained by Man Singh Dhami

Dhangadhi: Man Singh Dhami, a member of the Kshetri clan, has shared insights into the reasons and religious significance of wearing a janai, based on ancestral teachings, the Gayatri mantra taught during Upanayan, and information from various sources.

According to Hindu tradition, a janai, chanted by a Brahmin, is worn after the Upanayan ceremony. While Dhami notes that he is not fully versed in the Vedas, he highlights that the janai carries significant religious importance.

The tradition of wearing the janai is linked to the Satya Yuga, when it is believed that gods were protected from demons after Guru Brihaspati wore a yajna paveet chanted with mantras. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is said to have originated from this practice.

After Upanayan, a Dwij child wears the janai, granting him the right to perform yajnas, study scriptures, and engage in religious duties. The janai, also called Upavit, Yajna Sutra, or Brahma Sutra, is considered a symbol of the “second birth” or Dvija.

The janai is made of three sacred threads representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It signifies the debts to God, ancestors, and sages, and embodies the qualities of Sattva, Raja, and Tama. Traditionally, it is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm.

Wearing the janai binds a person to discipline, cleanliness, and religious duties. It is customary to maintain cleanliness, replace the janai periodically, and wear a new one under impure conditions. The traditional length of the janai is 96 fingers, symbolizing the obligation to learn various sciences and arts. It is also believed to have positive effects on physical and mental health.

The festival of Janai Purnima is particularly associated with changing the Yajna Paveet, historically called ‘Upakarma.’ On this day, sages are remembered, tarpan is offered, and Vedic traditions are observed. Today, the festival is celebrated both religiously and culturally.

Ultimately, Dhami emphasizes that the janai is not merely a thread but a symbol of religious duty, discipline, and cultural identity. Through Vedic mantras, it connects an individual to religion, culture, and tradition.