Rig Upakarma

Rig means logic or reason, hence Rig-Veda stands for UNIFICATION BY LOGIC. The first ten

verses of the first mandala or chapter cover the entire contents of the Rig Veda in a condensed and logical manner. Each verse is a complete holistic theorem in itself and contains a numerical solution to the mathematical theorem imbedded in the descriptive phraseology. The verses in the first mandala are the equivalent of chapter headings but contain at the same time a compact theoretical clue to the contents of each verse and later these are expanded in greater detail to treat the subject comprehensively. While the Rig Veda is a comprehensive treatise in itself, it must be cross referred to the other three Vedas . The four Vedas together form a theoretical and practical framework on which the entire subject under consideration is structured. The model is an imitation of nature's process of interaction at all levels.

On Rigveda Upakarma day, Brahmins ritually change their Upanayana thread along with Shrauta rituals. Upakarma which is a Vedic ritual is still practiced by Hindus of Brahmin caste. Upakarma is known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu. The next day of Avani Avittam is known as Gayathiri Japam.

Upakarma is a highly auspicious ceremony for the Hindu Brahmin community. The Upakarma dates in 2020 are August 3 (Rig) and August 4 (Yajur). There are Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda and they have separate dates for Upakarma. The ritual is also known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Gayatri Japam is another important ritual part of the ritual.

Rig Vedi Upakarma is observed a day before Shravan Purnima this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2020, the date is August 4th.

Upakarma means ‘the beginning.’ After a holy dip in a sacred river or pond or Tritha, male Brahmins change the sacred thread and wear a new one. Symbolically the ritual means a new beginning.

Students also begin the study of the Vedas on this day.

The sacred thread Yagnopaveetham is known as Jandhyam in Telugu and Janivara in Kannada.

The Brahmins who follow the Sama Veda follow it three days after Shravan Amavasya.

The day after Upakarma, is the day for the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

Brahmins in North India does not have the annual ritual of changing the sacred thread.