The dharma SAstras prescribe age as the only
criterion for performing Upanayanam. They have not mandated Gurubalam etc for
performance of Upanayanam. There is authority for performance of Upanayana even at
the early age of five. We have to always keep in mind that in respect of any
karma, dharma SAstras provide for multiple options and thus allowing from the
age of five to sixteen for performance of Upanayanam with different associated
benefits.
According to Manu, a BrAhmaNa who is desirous of brahmavarcas can
perform Upanayanam at the age of five.
brahmavarcasa kAmasya kAryam viprasya pancame !
--- Manu
According to Angiras, a BrAhmaNa who is desirous of brahmaVarcas can perform Upanayanam at the age of five.
brahmavarcasa kAmasya pancame abde agrajanmanah !!
--- Angiras
brahmavarcasa kAmasya kAryam viprasya pancame !
--- Manu
According to Angiras, a BrAhmaNa who is desirous of brahmaVarcas can perform Upanayanam at the age of five.
brahmavarcasa kAmasya pancame abde agrajanmanah !!
--- Angiras
Now the issue is that if some body strongly
believes that Gurubalam is a must for this purpose, then it becomes a mental
block for performance of Upanayanam within the age prescribed by SAstras. We need
to understand that by Upanayanam one is drawn towards the Guru for study of
Vedas. Hence Guru kataksham will be there for any one who undergoes Upanayanam.
But in the family if there is serious difference of
opinion among the elders on this point, one can get it resolved by approaching
one's own family Guru and act accordingly. If in the process the decision gets
delayed, only the boy is deprived of the benefit of early study of Vedas.
The specific date for Upanayanam has to be
fixed for the boy concerned based on PancAnga. One should not go by a common
muhurta date as far as possible.
जय जय श्रीराधे
Posts
