AWAKENINGS

  Upakarma is a Vedic ritual and it is practiced by Hindus of Brahmin community.   On Upakarma day, Brahmins ritually change their Upanayana thread by chanting suitable mantras for the ritual.   Those who follow Rigveda observe the Upakarma on Shravana Nakshatra day in the month of Shravana. Hence the day to observe Upakarma might differ for the followers of Yajurveda and Rigveda.   Upakarma is known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu. For those who do their first Upakarma, it is known as Thalai Avani Avittam. In Andhra Pradesh, Upakarma during Shravana Purnima is known as Jandhyala Purnima.   Brahmins choose the day of Shravana Purnima to begin the study of Vedas as the day coincides with Hayagriva Jayanti.   Hayagriva Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hayagriva who is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Hayagriva restored all Vedas to Brahma.   The main purpose of the Upakarma ritual is to offer prayers ...