Yajur Upakarma

Yajurveda is derived from word "yajus". Yajus is the description of procedures involved in performing rituals such as Yagna. Rigveda helps in praise of devathas while Yajurveda facilitates in performance of Yagnas while chanting these hymns. Yajurveda is divided into two branches Sukla and Krishna Yajurveda. The beauty of Yajurveda lies in its presentation of Karmic and Vedic rituals. Sri Rudram is very soothing to listen to if chanted by authentic practitioners in tandem.

Yajur Upakarma – Avani Avittam which is performed in the month of Sravana, on the full moon day. It is very important that all of us perform this ritual without fail and do prayshchita for removal of all the sins and secure the divine blessings.

Yajur Vedi Upakarma is observed on Shravan Purnima day (Full moon day in Sawan month) this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Yajur Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2020, the date is August 3.

Upakarma means beginning or Arambham and it refers to the ritualistic beginning of learning Veda. Apart from learning Vedas on 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 community. Those who follow Yajur Veda observe the Upakarma on the full moon day during Shravan month i.e. on Shravana Purnima day. 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 and express the gratitude to those Rishis who gave the knowledge of Vedas and revealed Vedic Mantras to the mankind. The next day of Upakarma is known as Gayatri Japam day.

Those who follow Samaveda observe the Upakarma on Hasta Nakshatra day during Bhadrapada month. Samaveda Upakarma day usually falls after fortnight of Yajurveda and Rigveda Upakarma day.