Upanayana

Upanayana

dedication, introduction

the rite of transmission of the sacred thread Upavita, during which a person of one of the three higher varnas (brahmins, kshatriyas or vaishyas) is initiated into the study of the Vedas. This ritual also symbolizes the second (spiritual) birth of a Hindu, he is given a new name, he enters the period of brahmacharya (discipleship).

The rite of Upanayana is performed over the boy from the varna of the brahmins at least in the seventh year from the birth, over the boy from the ksatriyas varna on the thirteenth year and above the boy from the vaisya varna on the 17^th year.