Question: Is the sacred thread (janeyu) given only to the brahman varna? You mentioned that the Brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaisyas undergo the process of upanayana- but my understanding (or rather misconception) was that upon receiving the sacred thread (and the gayatri mantra) an individual becomes a brahman. How are kshatriyas and vaisyas qualified to receive the sacred thread then because the fact that they receive this thread indicates that they have become brahmans- at least in ISKCON, the sacred thread is only worn by brahmans/twice born. Do kshatriyas and vaisyas also become twice born? Thanks so much.
Answer by Romapada Swami: It is said in the scriptures that in kali yuga we are born sudra (kalau çüdrasambhaväù – Skanda Puräëa), in part due to neglect of performance of Garbhädhänasaàskära prior to conception of the child. However, by the mercy of guru and one’s sincerity and steadiness in practice of sadhana bhakti over time, a guru may give such a candidate Gayatri mantra, whereby one is given the opportunity to begin perform the duties of a brahamana. The Gayatri mantra, in particular, is meant for spiritually trained persons who have attained the stage of being perfectly situated in the mode of goodness.
In the different yugas as per the vedic process, the Kshatriyas and vaishyas also receive the brahmana thread, along with mantra diksa.
According to Vedic injunction, within Padma Puräëa it is said sampradäya-vihénä ye manträs te niñphalä matäù i.e. unless one is initiated in the mantra received from a bona fide spiritual master, coming in disciplic succession, the mantra will not be effective or will not give the desired result.
The Gayatri mantra, in particular, is meant for spiritually trained persons who are perfectly situated in the mode of goodness. Unlike the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, there are certain rules and standards to be upheld in chanting the Gayatri mantra, such as specific times when it should be chanted, certain circumstances in which it should not be uttered and so on.
When chanted by a duly qualified and properly trained brahmana, with proper purity and without offenses, then one can attain success in chanting Gayatri mantra which has the potency to immediately bring one to the transcendental realm. When the spiritual master sees that the disciple has reached the necessary standard and spiritual advancement for chanting the Gayatri mantra, he then awards brahminical initiation to the disciple.
