Upanayanam

‘Upanayana’ is one of 16 major samskaras and a significant milestone for your child. The ancient Apasthamba Sutra describes upanayana as a samskara or a purificatory rite that is performed to impart the sacred Gayatri mantra before the child is taken to the teacher for learning the Vedas.

This Vedic ceremony has two important aspects:

• Investiture of the Yajnopavita or Upavita (sacred thread) and
• Initiation into the Gayatri Mantra

We welcome you to perform your child’s Upanayana ceremony at Adi Sankara Nilayam – the very ancestral maternal birth home where Bhagavan Adi Sankaracharya was initiated into Vidyarambha and Upanayana.

Facilities provided: 

Venue of the ceremony: Gurudev Shrine – The Upanayana ceremonies can be conducted in Gurudev Shrine. This sacred shrine is a befitting tribute to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, a legend, a luminary and a sage who tirelessly carried the light of Sanatana Dharma. The shrine is in the temple complex and is used as a meditation hall as well as a facility for paduka puja, vidyarambha and upanayana functions and other private prayers.

Kitchen and dining facilities: The family can avail the facilities of the Annakshetra at CIF. If requested, a separate kitchen and dining hall will be made available to facilitate any special needs. In such a case,  the family is suggested to arrange for their own catering services.

Donation: Following is the suggested donation for Upanayana ceremony to be conducted at Adi Sankara Nilayam. The donation is to be offered to Chinmaya International Foundation one month in advance.

This donation covers the venue, the use of the kitchen facility and accommodation for the Upanayana Yajaman’s family for two days.

Priests, Nadaswaram, decoration and other requirements for the function are to be arranged by the family. If required, the CIF team will help to co-ordinate the arrangements.

For further queries, Contact: +919207711136 / +919207711139

 welcometocif@chinfo.org

FAQs:

• Where will the ceremony be performed? The suggested venue for the ceremony is Gurudev Shrine within the Swayambhu Ayyappa Temple complex in Adi Sankara Nilayam.
• Will it be possible to arrange for the priest to conduct the ceremony? Ideally we suggest that the interested family brings a priest known to them. But in case this is not possible we can connect you with a priest to perform the ceremony as per request.
• Is there a need to bring one’s own cooks for the special Annadanam on the auspicious day? Will there be a separate kitchen and dining facility provided? A separate kitchen and dining hall can be made available to accommodate the needs as per request. Alternatively, CIF kitchen staff can prepare sattvic vegetarian meals as per request. This will be at an additional cost as per actuals.
• Is it possible for our relatives and acquaintances to stay on campus? Yes, additional accommodation can be arranged on twin sharing basis, given prior notice on the numbers expected. The donation (for residents of Indian subcontinent) for the same is ₹750 and ₹1000 (US$18 and US$25 for others) for Non-AC and AC accommodation respectively per person per day.
• Will it be possible to arrange for the flower decoration? Yes, CIF can connect you with a good flower decoration person to get the needful done.
• How many days in advance should one book the venue for the Upanayanam? CIF would require a minimum one month prior notice to book and arrange the venue for the ceremony.