Following the Yajurveda Upakarma, also referred to as Gayatri Japa, devotees partake in the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra for a total of 1008 repetitions. Notably, this distinctive practice frequently aligns with the festive celebration of Raksha Bandhan in the northern and central provinces of India.
In a reverent Hindu tradition, the Yajurveda Upakarma ceremony, signifying the initiation of Vedic education, is observed annually. This ritual holds special significance for Brahmin communities, marking the commencement of the study of Yajur Veda, one of Hinduism’s four Vedas. The event is scheduled on the auspicious full moon day of the Shravana month, a time when Brahmin men predominantly engage in its observance. Alongside the initiation of Vedic study, this ceremony involves a ritual concerning the sacred thread (Janeyu) worn by Brahmins. Additionally, the day coincides with the observance of Hayagriva Jayanti and Gayatri Jayanti.
Yajurveda Upakarma 2023 Date and Observances
The Yajurveda Upakarma ceremony takes place on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month Shravana, which typically aligns with July or August on the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, the Yajurveda Upakarma will be observed on August 30th.
Rituals differ for various Vedas. The Upakarma for Yajurveda, Rigveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda takes place on distinct days. For instance, Rigveda adherents conduct Upakarma on the day of Shravana Nakshatra in the month of Shravana. Samaveda Upakarma follows Yajurveda and Rigveda Upakarma by approximately two weeks.
Honoring Hayagriva and Gayatri Jayanti
The Yajurveda Upakarma also commemorates Hayagriva Jayanti and Gayatri Jayanti. Hayagriva, an incarnation of Vishnu symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, is believed to have retrieved the stolen Vedas from Brahma, making this day significant for his celebration. Similarly, Gayatri Jayanti honors Goddess Gayatri, esteemed as the Mother of the Vedas, who is said to have been born on this day.
Mythological Significance of Hayagriva
The legend of Hayagriva speaks of Vishnu entrusting the Vedas to Brahma, only for them to be seized by demons Madhu and Kaitabha. To recover the Vedas, Vishnu reincarnates as Hayagriva—a human with a horse’s head. This unique form allows him to defeat the demons and restore the Vedas. Another rendition claims Vishnu, in his Hayagriva form, compiled the Vedas.
Importance of Yajurveda Upakarma
The Upakarma ritual serves as an expression of gratitude to the rishis who imparted Vedic knowledge. Brahmins offer water to their ancestors and revered rishis as a gesture of appreciation. Moreover, the restoration of the Vedas on this day imbues it with an auspicious quality, rendering it an opportune time for new beginnings.
Yajurveda Upakarma Rituals
The Upakarma day witnesses a series of rituals. Prior to sunrise, men partake in the Sandhya Vandanam, a ritual acknowledging celestial beauty. Subsequently, Kamokarsheet Japam, a penitential act, seeks forgiveness for violations committed during restricted Vedic study periods and other transgressions.
Additional Tarpanam rituals are conducted, encompassing Brahma Yagyam, Deva Tarpanam, Rishi Tarpanam, Pitru Tarpanam, Maha Sankalpam, Yagnopaveetham Dharanam, Kaanda Rishi Tarpanam, and Veda Parayanam. Chanting of sacred Vedic mantras ensues, followed by the Homam fire ritual featuring offerings of gram and dhal. Delectable Prasada, prepared from an array of ingredients, crowns the day’s observance.
The subsequent day, referred to as Gayatri Japa, involves the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra 1008 times. This day often coincides with the Raksha Bandhan festival in northern and central India.