Munj Ceremony Procedure, Cost, Timings, Benefits and Procedure
For Brahmins, Munja, also known as Yagnopavit Sanskar, is a significant ritual. Certain Kshatriyas and Vaishya communities also wear the sacred thread. Another name for a Brahmin is a Dwija, which translates to “the one who is born twice.” Janeu Sanskar claims to have caused a male to be born again.
To the Brahmins of Maharashtra, Munj means wedding. Following “Abhyangsnana,” which involves shaving the child’s or Batu’s head, is the most crucial activity in the “Choulkarma.”
Following “Matrubhojan,” a mother gives her son his final meal before he leaves the house to continue his education. This segment includes the “Astavarga” part, where eight children who are the same age as the Batu or have completed their Munj were asked to eat with the Batu. A straightforward, kid-friendly dinner preparation includes five different kinds of desserts.
Following Matrubhojan, the priests carry out the rites, and the Father and Son exchange garlands at “Mangalashtaka.” Here, the Father teaches him the sacred “Gayatri Mantra” chant. It is a fantastic moment for the parents to witness.
When do I perform the Munj ceremony?
- When a Brahmin kid is seven years and two months old from birth or eight years old from pregnancy, his upanayana has to be done.
- At twelve years old, one must do a Ksatriya.
- At that age, Lord Krishna received the sacred thread. Sixteen is the same age as a Vaisya.
- The sastras state that a Brahmin child’s age range is eight to sixteen years, with an additional eight years of grace.
- It is wrong to avoid performing a Brahmin boy’s upanaya before he reaches the maximum age.
- Ganapathi Pooja
- Punyaha Vachan
- Maha Sankalp
- Kalash pooja
- Udakashanti
- Upanayana Sanskar
- Kumara Bhojan or Sumangali Bhojanam
- Finally, homa is performed as per Shastra.
Following the thread ceremony, the child’s father recites the Gayatri Mantra into his ears. In the past, brahmachari would go out into the public to plead for donations from different Bhikshakaranam households. This is being done indirectly during the event. Even though it would be tough to practice Bhikshakaranam every day in the current environment, doing so will cause kindness, control the ego, and remove all distinctions between the rich and the poor, high and low.
Munj Ceremony Benefits
- Now the boy can study all the Vedas.
- The youngster is shielded from all kinds of unpleasant emotions and spirits.
- This puja improves one’s capacity for information absorption.
- After the Janeu Sanskar, the Brahmin child can begin performing pujas and rituals.
Pooja articles for Munj Ceremony
Puja Item | Quantity |
Turmeric powder | 100 grams |
Kumkum | 100 grams |
Camphor | 1 Packet |
Dhoop sticks | 1 Packet |
Garlands | 1 |
Ghee | 500 grams |
New Dhoti | One set |
Panchapatra and udarini | 1 |
Betel Leaves and Nuts | 10+10 |
Sacred thread (Either Gold or Silver) | 3 Strands |
Flowers | 2 different varieties |
Fruits | 12 Bananas & 5 Variety fruits- 5 fruits for each variety |
Honey | One small bottle |
Scissor | 1 |
Kalasa Vastram | 1 Towel |
Dry Coconut (Whole) | 1 |
Coconuts | 4 |
Sugar | 250 grams |
Sandalwood Paste/Powder | 1 Packet |
Rice | 4 kilograms |
Coins change | Rs. 25 |
Sugar Candy (Kalakanda) | 250 grams |