Upaakarma - A Great Tradition to Cherish

Upaakarma

Important Facts to contemplate

• Poornima in the month of Shraavana is called Shraavani. On this day (Yajurveda) Upaakarma is performed. (Rigveda and Samveda Upaakarma are also performed in this season only).
• Upaakarma Ritual has a Unique importance for its a Long Lasting Impact on the Mind.
• On this designated day of Initiation of NewStudents (New and Old) into Learning the Text and Wisdom of Yajurveda. 
• Scholars & Old Students, begin afresh to refresh their Vedic knowledge.
• The ritual consists of two parts. 
• 1. To Purify Cleanse the Body and Mind  and  2) To Honour the Pioneers of the Knowledge, which is sought to be acquired.

Purificatory Part

• Prior to the commencement of Fresh Education, the mind and body have to be cleansed of unwanted elements to prevent distraction, deviation and distortion. 

With a clean intellect, devoid of blemishes, a person would be able to understand the perspective and purpose of knowledge. This would be transform as the wisdom and result in the realisation.


In the process to achieve the same, the Aacharya and disciples are required to go the nearby River (Stream) shave and bathe with Mantras to clean the body.

Thereafter, the three tier Purificatory Procedures begin.

1. For Brahmachaari - Paahi Trayodasha Homa is stipulated to offset the blemish occuring due to non-conduct of daily fire worship (Agni Kaarya). 
2. For Brahmacharis and Gruhasthas - Virajaa Homa. The Mantras chanted invoke the deities of 25 aspects of life (Both body and mind) to cleanse themselves. (Request for Initiation of Self Rectification and Remedial measures to remove anomalies in the Body and Mind). Reciting these Mantras, Tila (Sesame Seeds) are offered as Aahuti (Oblation).
3. For Every Human Being - Kama, Manyu Smarana (Japa). Any sin is the result of Desire (Greed) and Anger. Hence, separation of the soul from these blemishes of the mind is the purpose of this Japa. The Mantras explain that, these two factors are responsible for any possible deeds/ acts of my life, not me (the pure Soul (Jeevatma). Hence, I dedicate the results of all these deeds and acts to these two deities. (I am the Pure Aatman). 

Every mind needs an annual maintenance for overhauling and service. This Mantra Japa, in fact, is to cajole oneself into annnual Self Introspection by Contemplation.

Honorary Part

• Let us Salute the doyens of Exponents of Yajurveda Tradition, especially the Sootrakaara Seers Aapastamba, Bodhaayana, Satyaashaadha, Hiranyakeshi whose aphorisms, guide the communities in all the rituals of Indian Origin.

Yajurveda is said to be in Five Parts.
1. Praajapatya Kaanda
2. Soumya Kaanda
3. Aagneya Kaanda
4. Vaishwadeva Kaanda
5. Swaayambhuva Kaanda

These five parts related to Five Names of Rishis
1. Prajaapati, 2. Soma 3. Agni 4.Vishwe Deva & 5. Swayambhu (Brahma)


In Vedas, the visionary seers (Mantra Drashta) are descendents/  of Brahma (or his progeny), who had the first vision and mandate to impart the Mantras to the lineage.

However, the seers of Yajurveda are unlike the seers of Rigveda, Samaveda & Atharvana Veda. These are the deities themselves, corresponding to the broader categories of rituals and its salient aspects.

Therefore, Yajurveda occupies the most prime place in the Vedic heirarchy and Rituals. (Tasya Yajur Eva Sirah).

Let us salue the spirit of Yajurveda,

which gave us the eternal Commandments and 

Motto for Happy Sustenance of the Universe!

Satyam Vada! Dharmam Chara
Speak Truth Only! Be Righteous!