Embracing Knowledge: Sacred Thread and Women
The sacred thread is a marker of Wisdom and Knowledge but associated to men. However, here are women who are seen wearing them.
American Institute of Indian Studies
Centre for Art and Archaeology, American Institute of Indian Studies
Yaksa Sarvanubhuti (ca 800-899 CE (Rastrakuta))American Institute of Indian Studies
Sacred thread is an important marker of knowledge, especially Vedic knowledge. As symbol of initiation of young Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya into studentship this ceremony is in practice till date.
Siva Gangadhara, Main temple, west side (700-799 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Initially meant for boys & girls, later it was limited to boys. The ceremony marks the second birth of the child in the world of knowledge. thus onwards children are called 'dwij' meaning twice born.
Sacred thread is cotton, handmade 3 strings tied in a loop. Worn on the left side shoulder it crosses body onto right side of the torso. The three stands of thread represents Rig, Yajur and Sam Veda.
Yaksa Sarvanubhuti (ca 800-899 CE (Rastrakuta))American Institute of Indian Studies
The knot in the sacred thread is called Brahma-Granthi. Granthi literally translated into a knot. This is generally a set of three knots each for God Brhama, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Cave 29 (locally known as Gaur-Lena), Panels on dwarf wall (ca 1200-1399 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Shiva are often represented wearing naga as his sacred thread instead of the cotton threads. This Ganesha panel from Sindhudurga in Maharastra is shown wearing naga-janeu like his father God Shiva.
Kallesvara temple, Mahisasuramardini (ca 900-999 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
In the Vedic era girls too underwent Yajnopaveet sanskar and received knowledge of Vedas from great seers and saints in the Brahmacharya ashram. Later Manu-Smriti limited it only to boys.
Papanasesvara group, Temple No. 2, South shrine, north wall, Mahisamardini (ca 975 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Fierce female goddesses like Mahisasurmardini is often depicted wearing sacred thread to indicate her strength and knowledge at par with male gods. A stone relief of Durga from Andhra Pradesh.
Causath Yogini temple, Dancing Female Divinity: Brahmi (Late 10th century CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Female scholars like Gargi and Lopmudra are known to have undergone Upanayan Sanskar. Maitreyi, Visvavara, Apala, Indrani, Urvashi, Ghosha, and Sachi are also well known scholars in Indian history.
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Chusath Yogini Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Somesvara temple, Mulaprasada, west wall, Ganga in khattaka (ca 800-899 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Incarnations of Parvati as Meenakshi & Ganga are often represented wearing janeu along with their all other ornaments. This could simply imply their knowledge and wisdom at par with other male gods.
Gangavatarana, left of Mahesamurti (550 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
There are references of women wearing their janeu around their neck like necklace instead of on their shoulder and torso unlike their male counter parts.
Visnu and Laksmi panel, Mandapa, south wall, (ca 600-650 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
According to Vedas Grihashta/ married men are allowed to wear two sacred threads, one for themselves and another for their wife. It could have been in practice for women who had no formal education.
Parvati-parinaya (ca 750 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Manu-Smriti states- domestic duties for women are her yajnas and serving one's husband is like living in house of teachers and receiving spiritual training, thus making education for women avoidable.
Papanasesvara group, Temple No. 2, South shrine, north wall, Mahisamardini (ca 975 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Revival of sacred thread ceremony has become a marker of right to education for women. In recent past news of group and individual Upanayan Sanskar for young girls have been reported.
Image Source : American Institute of Indian Studies
Street View: Courtesy Archaeological Survey of India
Curator : Meenakshi J.
