See Also: naow(1)(dictionary)
naow(2)(dictionary)
upanayana(dictionary)
upanayana(encyclopedia)

naow(2) (iou) and upanayana (sh)


naow(2) (iou)



naow adverb2. non-standard. E20.
[Repr. a pronunc. Cf. NAH adverb1.]
= NOW adverb.

upanayana (sh)




Hindu initiation ritual, restricted to the three upper varnas.

It marks a male's entrance into the life of a student and his acceptance as a full member of the religious community. After a ritual bath, the boy, aged 5-24, is dressed as an ascetic and brought before his guru, who invests him with various symbolic articles. The initiate receives a sacred thread, worn throughout his life, that identifies him as twice-born, the second birth being effected by receipt of a mantra. Observance of upanayana is decreasing and is now largely confined to the Brahman class.