Importance of wearing Janeu in Hinduism

Janeu (white thread) is worn by every Hindu Brahmin of India. Wearing the sacred thread called the “Janeu” is the most important rite in Hinduism. Besides the Brahmin, Janeu is also worn by the other Hindu castes.

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The Janeu is worn during an Upanayana Sanskar and is the 10th Sanskar of the Sanatana Dharma of the Hindu religion. The Janeu is regarded as a symbol of the sacred vision to see things in a just way.

The Upanayanam ceremony is normally associated with the higher caste Hindus. It is mandatory for the Kshatriya and the brahmin boys to wear this sacred thread, The ceremony is usually performed when the child is ready for schooling, The holy thread is given to the child as a reminder to the commitment that child would stay completely committed to education and learning, and avoid all distractions. During this ceremony, the child receives his first lesson of reciting the “Gayatri Mantra” from his father who becomes his first Teacher or Guru.

The three threads that make a Janeu represent the Goddess of strength (Parvati), Goddess of Wealth(Lakshmi), and Goddess of knowledge (Saraswati). It is said that one can only have a good life if he has these three characteristics that attribute to these 3 deities. There is a popular belief that if one wears a Janeu, Then one will be guarded against any negative vibe or thoughts. It also helps one to attain moksha or salvation after death.

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Scientifically proven study shows wearing a Janeu are that If a Janeu is tied on one’s ears it helps increase one’s memory and also helps in preventing constipation and keeps the stomach disease-free. It also shows that those who wear a Janeu do not have blood pressure-related illnesses to those who don’t wear it.

The strands of the thread also stand for the purity of words, thoughts, and deeds of the wearer. Through the Upanayanam Ceremony, the boy is introduced to the concept of Brahman and therefore, becomes qualified to lead the life of a Brahmachari according to the rules of the Manusmriti.