Janeu (yajnopavit): how to wear it, when to change it and what rules to follow
Quick answer: The janeu or yajnopavit is a sacred thread of three strands, given by a guru or priest at the upanayan sanskar (thread ceremony). It is worn from the left shoulder across the body to below the right arm. It is looped over the right ear while using the toilet. A new janeu is put on with a mantra after a birth or death in the family, when the thread breaks, and every year on Shravan Purnima.
At a glance
- Strands
- Three strands tied with a brahma-ganth knot
- How worn
- Over the left shoulder, under the right arm (savya / upaviti)
- When received
- At the upanayan sanskar
- Yearly change
- Shravan Purnima (Upakarma)
The wearing mantra
When putting on a new janeu, this mantra is said: 'Yajnopavitam paramam pavitram prajapater yat sahajam purastat, ayushyam agryam pratimuncha shubhram yajnopavitam balam astu tejah.' In simple words: this sacred thread is supremely pure and has been with Prajapati from the beginning; I put on this bright thread, may it give me strength and radiance. Learn the mantra and method from your family priest.
How to change to a new janeu
- Bathe and sit facing east in a clean place.
- Sprinkle Ganga jal on the new thread and remember God; many people chant the Gayatri mantra.
- Saying the wearing mantra, put the new janeu over your head onto the left shoulder.
- Then take the old janeu off downwards, over the feet.
- Release the old thread in flowing water or place it in a clean spot at the root of a tree.
Do
- While using the toilet, loop the janeu twice over the right ear, and take it down only after washing your hands.
- During rites for ancestors (shraddh, tarpan) the janeu is moved to the right shoulder (apasavya); move it back to the left shoulder afterwards.
- Keep it clean, and change it if it gets dirty or breaks.
- Try to do sandhya daily, or at least chant the Gayatri mantra.
Don't
- Don't hang it loosely over your clothes or leave it on a hook.
- Don't keep wearing a broken janeu; change it right away.
- Don't forget to loop it over the ear while using the toilet.
- Don't put on a new janeu without bathing.
When to change the janeu
- Every year on Shravan Purnima (Upakarma).
- After the sutak period of a birth or death in the family ends.
- When the thread breaks or becomes very dirty.
- In many families, also after an eclipse.
The method and rules of the janeu differ by region, Vedic branch and family. Follow your family priest and your family's tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Which shoulder is the janeu worn on?
Normally on the left shoulder, so that it passes under the right arm. During rites for ancestors it is moved to the right shoulder.
Why is the janeu looped over the ear in the toilet?
Traditionally, this keeps the sacred thread from becoming impure, and it is also a way of staying mindful of the rule.
What should I do if my janeu breaks?
Bathe, put on a new janeu with the mantra, and release the old one in flowing water or leave it at the base of a tree.
When is a new janeu worn?
Every year on Shravan Purnima, after a sutak period, and whenever the thread breaks.
What do the three strands stand for?
A common belief is that they remind the wearer of three debts: to the gods, to the ancestors and to the sages. Some also link them to Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, or to the three gunas.