We all have seen priests, Brahmins, or boys wearing a white thread during the Upanayana ceremony in Hinduism, which is called “Janeu” or “Yagnopaveet”. But have you ever wondered why there are always three threads in that Janeu? Neither two, nor four… just three! Is this just a tradition or is there some deep meaning hidden behind it? Let us understand it in simple language today.

What is Janeu?
Janeu is a sacred thread that is worn in Hinduism, especially during the Upanayana ceremony (also called “Janeu Sanskar”). Wearing it means that now the person is religiously ready, he has started a new phase in his life where he has to adopt knowledge, duty, and restraint.

This thread is worn over the left shoulder and taken down to the right side. But the special thing is that this thread always has three strands (threads). Now the question arises, why are there only three threads?

What do the three threads mean?

These three threads are not just related to the body, but also to our actions, thoughts, and responsibilities. In Hinduism, it is believed that every human being is born with three “debts”. These are:

Dev Rin – Meaning, we have to fulfill our duty towards God and nature. Such as worship, following the truth, and helping others.

Rishi Rin – It means that we have to repay the debt of those gurus and sages who gave us knowledge. The best way to do this is – to read, learn, and teach others what we have learned.

Pitru Rin – This is the debt of our parents and ancestors. Respecting them, serving them and making their name famous is the way to repay this debt.

So these three threads remind us that the purpose of your life is not just to live for yourself, but you also have to fulfill your duties.

Understand from another perspective – the three qualities within us
In Hindu philosophy, every human being has three qualities within him:

Sattva – which is associated with peace, knowledge and good thoughts

Rajas – which is associated with passion, desires and hard work

Tamas – which is associated with laziness, ignorance and negativity
These three threads also remind us that we have to maintain balance within ourselves. Neither be too lazy, nor too angry. And move towards true knowledge.

Janeu is not just a thread, it is a responsibility
When a boy wears the Janeu, he is not just completing a ritual, but it is a promise that now he will keep his thoughts, words and deeds pure. That is, whatever he thinks will be good, whatever he speaks will be true and good, and whatever he does will be on the path of Dharma.

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