Janeyu, commonly known as Upanayana, is a sacred thread worn around the shoulder of a person. The ceremony of wearing a Janeyu is performed around the age of 12. It is an essential part of the Hindu belief system (common among Brahmins), which shows the entry of a person into a school of Hinduism. It also shows that the guru has accepted the individual under his guidance as a Shishya (student). After the guru takes the person as a student, he would lead him to the path of knowledge and wisdom. Janeyu is a symbol of spirituality as well as sacrifice.

However, in the current decade, the concept of the Gurukula education system has widely changed. But, most Hindus continue to practice Janeyu or Upanayana in Hinduism. When a person wears a Janeyu or Upanayana on their left shoulder, it is a representation of three main ideas. It shows a person's commitment to God, parents, and teachers. Through this article, we will look into the significance of Janeyu in Hinduism, how to wear a Janeyu, and what are the rules associated with wearing a Janeyu.

Significance of wearing Janeyu: Wearing a Janeyu is a custom practiced in Hinduism, mostly by Brahmins or Kshatriyas. There are a plethora of significances associated with the wearing of Janeyu as per the Hindu tradition and culture. Here, we will look into some of the most essential religious and scientific significances of wearing Janeyu.

What are the religious significances of using a Janeyu?: As per the Hindu belief system, each person takes two births during his or her lifetime. The first birth is when we are born on the earth, and the second birth is when we enter into the world of knowledge. Hindus can enter into the second birth through Upanayana or Janeyu. According to Kurmapuran, both girls and boys have to take part in Janeyu. However, it is a common practice among boys. In some parts of India, people perform Upanayana or Janeyu for girls as well. The girls who have participated in Janeyu are Brahmavadinis.
The sacred threads of Janeyu represent three Goddesses of Hinduism:
1. Saraswathi, the Goddess of knowledge
2. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth
3. Parvathi, the Goddess of strength, are the three Hindu Goddesses associated with Janeyu.

Wearing a Janeyu helps to ward off negative energies. Janeyu also improves our determination and passion. There is an elaborate ceremony in Hinduism before an individual wears the Upananyana or Janeyu for the first time. These are some of the religious significances of wearing a Janeyu in Hinduism.

What are the scientific significances of wearing a Janeyu?
There are numerous significances and reasons for wearing a Janeyu. The scientific importance of using a Janeyu are:
1. When we wear Janeyu on the left shoulder, it helps in enhancing the functioning of our right brain. It is because the left side of our body has a close relationship with our right brain. In Ayurveda, the connection is called "Ida Nadi." Our right brain is the seat of knowledge, mental abilities, emotion, and logical power. The reason why people wear a Janeyu before starting their education is to improve their learning skills by enhancing their right brains.
2. While performing the ceremony of Janeyu, the head of the person is shaved, and only a small portion of hair remains. It is known as Shikha. There is a knot made from the remaining hair. It helps in the creation of pressure, which enhances the energy flow through our seven Chakras.
3. When we tie Janeyu on our ears, it improves our memory and also reduces the chances of digestive problems.
4. When we wear Jateyu, it can reduce the chances of contracting blood pressure related issues.

How do you wear Janeyu?: The ritual of wearing a Janeyu is conducted when a child is between seven to twelve years old. Here, the person makes the cotton strings into a circular path. He then wears Janeyu from his left shoulder across his chest. As per the Hindu belief system, once a person wears it, he cannot remove it. When wearing the thread, it is essential to chant the Gayathri Mantra.
Om Bhur Bhuva Svah, Tat-Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devarya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Procodayat

The number of cotton strings in the Janeyu or Upanayana vary based on some factors. A young unmarried man has three strands in his Janeyu. A married man has six strands, and a parent would have strands no more than nine.

Rules for Wearing a Janeyu: There are a few rules associated with wearing a Janeyu in Hinduism. It is essential to follow them as they have been a part of our culture for years. They include:
1. Aachamanam: You can start by reciting "Shulam Bharadharam Vishnu" by holding water in your right hand. It is a way of purifying your body and also your surroundings.
2. You can then recite the Gayathri Mantra along with Vyahruthi Mantra and Jyothurasa Mantra three times.
3. Sankalpa: Here, you can eliminate the sins and dangers of your life. You can start by visualizing the Paramathma.
4. You can hold Janeyu in both hands with the knotted portion in your right hand. You have to position the bottom part of your left hand. You have to dip your left hand in the water. It is a process of self-purification.
5. You have to chant the mantra while wearing it. "Yagno Paveetha Dharan Maha Manthrasya, Parabrahma Rishishi, Triushtup Chanhah, Paramathma Devadhah, Yagnopaveetha Dharano Uiiniyoga"
6. You can wear Janeyu or Upanayanam across your left shoulder to the right side.

Wearing a Janeyu is a significant custom in Hinduism, especially among Brahmins. It is a way of representing their belief in Hindu traditions and culture. Janeyu can help in removing negative energies and also aid in the healing of our Chakras.