Sacred Thread ( Poonul | Yagnopavit)

Sacred Thread ( Poonul | Yagnopavit)

Poonul wore after Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) is a holy thread wore by men.

Yagnopavit (sacred thread) a word which means “yadna and upavit” is made of nine fibers. The fibers considered to be representing (1) Omkar (2) Agni –Fire (3) Nag – serpent (4) Som – moon (5) Pitar – ancestors (6) Prajapati – deity of procreaton (7) Vayu – air (8)Yama- diety of death (9) Vishvadevata -deity of the universe. These fibers are twisted to three each and it is considered that the three represents Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. The three strands are knotted together, known as Brahmagatha (gatha means knot) which is considered to be representing the Atharvaveda.

It is believed that by wearing a Poonul, he will gain knowledge, wisdom and will shine like Sun and the positive energy that is brought out will spread throughout his body. By doing the Upanayanam (sacred thread (Poonul) ceremony) the boy will purify his mind and body and in addition he will be protected from the evil spirits.