Avani Avittam [Yajur Vedi]

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam
Compilation and Translation by P. R. Ramachander

The duty of all Brahmins is to learn Vedas and preserve it by constant recitation. But this is not being done due to the very fact that in this competitive world, they are forced to earn a living. As redemption all Brahmins are supposed to observe Upakarma every year. This is also called Avani avittam. This is the only festival which is 100% male centric for a Tamil Brahmin. I am giving below the list of rituals to be performed during Upakarma, the manthras to be used as well as the meaning of such manthras. Being not an expert on rituals or the Vedic Sanskrit, I have depended totally on the Tamil translation of the Upakarma (in Sandhya Vandana Bhashya) done by the great Brahma Sri Anna and published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. As a token of my great respect to this great person, I dedicate this English translation to Brahma Sri Anna. The rituals for Rig Vedhis are almost similar but are very different for Sama Vedis.

I am giving below the religious rules to be followed for doing Upakarma as given in the book Samkshepa Dharma Sasthra, published from Madras as per the desire of late Paramacharya of Kanchi:

Upakarma (Annual redemption Ceremony):
This has to be observed both by Brahmacharis and family men. It consists of two parts. Upakarma (Redemption) and Uthsarjana (learning of Vedas). These help the already learnt Vedic chants shine with great vigour. Any actions done with such strengthened Vedic chants, would give good and better results. Due to our using Vedic chants for various purposes as well as our not being in a position to follow all the rules, make such chanting of Vedas very weak. So it is necessary to do Upakarma and Uthsarjana every year.

I. Kathyayana:
By the annual performance of Upakarma and Uthsarjana by the Brahmins, The power of the already learnt Vedic chants will increase.

II. Gargya:
Krishna Yajur Vedis should do it in the Pournamasya of the month of Sravana (avani in Tamil and Chingam in Malayalam. It occurs during august September), Rig Vedis in the Sravana Nakshatra of Sravana Masa. The day should not be the beginning of the month or eclipse. Upakarma should not be done if it is eclipse or first day of the month (Solar month)

III. Gobhila:
Krishna Yajur Vedis, who have learned the Taithreeya branch of the Krishna Yajur Veda should do Upakarma on the full moon day of the month of Sravana. Rig Vedis should do it in Sravana (Thiruonam) star and Sama Vedis should do it in Hastha star. For Krishna Yajur vedis, the pournami Thithi should be there from the morning till noon. This is called Oudhayakhi.

IV. Smruthyanthara:
If Pournami and Prathama join after 12 nazhigai after sun rise (called Sangha kala - 4 hours 48 minutes) and before noon, that is the proper day for annual chant of Gayathri (Gayathri Japam). If it joins before this time then previous day is Upakarma and next day Gayathri Samitha Dhanam.
 
V. Thithi Darpanam:
Rig vedis should do Upakarma on the day when during sun rise Sravana star is there.

Yajur vedis should do when Pournami extends beyond 4 hours 48 minutes.

Sama Vedis should do it when Hastha Nakshatra extends beyond this time in month of Bhaadrapada (Purattasi/Kanni/September-October). If the Simha Bhadrapada is not holy due to Moudya, then they (Sama Vedis) should do it in Kanya month during Krishna Paksha (waxing period of moon).

For Rik Vedis the lord of the Shaka (branch) is Guru, For Yajur vedis it is Shukra, for Sama Vedis it is Angaraka and for Atharva Vedis it is Bhudha. So they should do upakarma when the Lord of their Shakha is powerful. If these planets are in Moudya (powerless) or when there is eclipse or when there is month beginning, Upakarma should not be performed on that day.

For Yajur Vedis, Pournami in Sravana month is important. If it is bad then they can do in Pournami of Aashada (AAdi/karkidaka/july-august) month. If that also is bad, then they should do in the Pournami of Sravana month after carrying out redemption rituals.

Rik Vedis should do Upakarma in Sravana star in the month of Sravana. If there is dosha during that period, they can do it instead on a day in the same month when Hastha star and Panchami Thithi is together.

Shukla Yajur Vedis should do Upakarma on the full moon day of Sravana month. If that has dosha they can do it on Sravana star of the same month or on the day when star Hastha and Panchami thithi are together in the same month and if even that is unsuitable they can do it on the day when Hastha star is there in the Sravana month. They can also do it in the full moon day of the Bhadhra pada month. The decision has to be made based on the family custom.

Brahmacharis should do Upakarma after hair cutting. Yajur Vedis should start learning Vedas (Uthsarjanam) on a full moon day of the Pushya month. If this is not suitable they can do it in Magha (Maasi/Kumbha/ February-march) month also.

VI. Sandilya:
Upakarma should not be performed with wet cloths. If it is done, it is termed as Rakshasa. During Upakarma, a new sacred thread should be worn, that is Upakarma should be done with new cloths and new sacred thread by everyone and in case of Brahmachari they should wear in addition a new belt, new deer's skin and new staff.

The ritual of Upakarma consists of 7 parts on the Avani Avittam (Upakarma day) followed by Chanting of Gayathri Manthra, the next day. What is given below is in the order that it has to be performed:

1. Yagnopa Veetha Dharana Manthra (Manthra for wearing Poonal - Sacred Thread):

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.
c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

d. Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brahma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.
For getting rid of all difficulties and to please lord Parameshwara and also to increase the power that comes when one is a Brahmin, I am wearing this new sacred thread.

e. Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrahma rishi (Touch forehead) The sage is Parabrahma
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose) The meter is Trushtup
Paramathma devatha (touch heart) The god addressed to is Paramathma

f. Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga
Wear Poonal one by one by reciting (poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards):

Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.
This sacred thread is very holy and was created along with Lord Brahma and is capable of giving long life and primacy, it is pure white in colour and would grant me strength as well as splendour

g. After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

h. Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting:
Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.
I am removing the old sacred thread which is broken, weak and dirty. Oh God grant me long life and light of wisdom.

i. Do aachamanam.


2. Kamo karshet Japam (Vedic Chant to get rid of sins committed due to passion, anger and avarice):

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.

c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

d. Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara parameswara Preethyartham
For getting rid of all difficulties and to please lord Parameshwara

Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva, vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
For getting the proper holy time, for getting strength of stars, for getting the strength of moon, for getting strength of knowledge, for getting support from God, I again and again meditate on Vishnu who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi.

Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa, ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi, manasam vaachikam paapam, karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya.Sree rama Rama
For making the unholy, holy in case of all situations, I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the sins which were earned in performance of duties, there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat,
Sri Govinda, Govinda, Govinda
Today the thithi is Vishnu, and so is the day and star, By yoga as well as performance of action the whole universe is filled by Vishnu. Govinda, Govinda, Govinda.
Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya, Pravarthamanasya, Aadhya brhmana, dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe,, Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane, vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye,
In the beginning due to the wish of Lord Vishnu, the world started functioning and the first Brahma was created. In the second division in the age of the white boar, during the rule of Vaivaswatha Manu, in he 28th part Kali Yuga, in the first division, in the Island of Jambu (Jamun) fruit, in the continent of India, in the country of India, to the south of the mountain Meru, in the middle of the 60 year cycle of years starting from Prabhava

------ nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, kataka mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, ------- vasara yukthayam, --------- nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thithou, taishyaam pournamaasyam adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham, samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara sahasra samkhyaa "kamo karsheth manyura karsheth" ithi maha manthra japam karishye.

e. Then chant "Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth namo nama" 1008 times

in the ------ year, in the southern solastice, in the Greeshma season (August-september), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga, in the good karana, and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described, for performing the annual redemption for not doing the prescribed rituals and for doing the annual redemption, I chant "Kamokarsheth manyura Karsheth (pardon for the lapses committed out of anger, passion and avarice)", 1008 times

f. Afterwards perform Aachamana and say
Kama manyu upastham karishye, Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.
I am ending this kama Manyu Japa, I am dedicating this to Brahma.

After wards perform Madhyahneekam (the ritual of the noon).

3. Brahma Yagnam (Sacred ritual of Brahma):
(This is a daily ritual normally to be performed at noon.)

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Face eastern direction and repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.

c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

c. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
I observe Brahma Yagna for removal of all my problems as well as for pleasing Lord Prameshwara

d. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam ruthath Sathya mupaime
Oh great God you are like the lightning among clouds and know the sins committed by me and I seek your true self from the playful one.

Do achamanam thrice, wipe your lips twice, touch water once, sprinkle water on left hand and leg and touch head eyes, nose ears and chest

And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om earth, The God who is worthy and eligible

Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Om Bhuva loka, meditate on the luminous light of God

Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Loka, God make my intellect shine

Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om earth, Meditate on the luminous light of that God who is worthy and elegible

Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhuva loka, God make my intellect shine

Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath
Ogum Suva loka Oh God who is worthy and eligible, I meditate on thine luminous light, please make my intellect, shine

e. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
I salute Agni who stands first and leads us, who is the first God of all yagna, who has the form of Rithvik (one who performs the ritual) as well as hotha (one who benefits) and is the one who gives us matchless wealth.

Om Ishe Tworje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Hari Om. Oh cows, oh calves, for giving us Anna (food) and Rasa (taste) and making us join in the great duty of worship of Gods, you go for grazing and come back. Let the Saavithru deva (Sun God), give you good grazing. Om

Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Oh Agni you have to come, Please accept our worship because we sing your praise.. Whatever we offer to you, please make it reach the concerned devas. You who have been invited should occupy your place in the hall of yaga.

Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
Oh Gods of water Please satisfy not only those who are thirsty but fulfill all our desires and bless us with all that is good, Let by your grace, all our sorrow vanish and let us become happy.

After this recite, if possible, Vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc.

f. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi
The Meditation is the truth, I desire devoted attention

g. Recite three times with folded hands:
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.
Salutations to Brahma. Salutations to Agni (fire God), Salutations to earth, Salutations to plants and climbers. Salutation to words. Salutation to the lord of words (Brahaspathi). Salutations to Lord Vishnu (repeat this thrice)

h. Clean the hands again with water by reciting "vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga" (see "d" above)
Do aachamanam

i. Chant "Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum, Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam, Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye, Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye"

j. Do Pranayamam, "Om bhur bhuvah svah, Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat"

k. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
For removing all my sorrows as well as pleasing Lord Prameshwara, I do the ritual of satisfaction of devas, sages and manes

l. Touch water and clean your hands

m. Do deva tharpanam (satisfaction of devas) by pouring water through the tip of fingers

i. Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
I satisfy the devas lead by Lord Brahma

ii. Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
I satisfy all devas
iii. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
I satisfy all the society of devas

iv. Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
I satisfy the wives of devas

v. Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
I satisfy all the society of wives of devas

n. Do rishi tharpanam (satisfaction of sages) by wearing yagnopaveetha (sacred thread) as garland and pouring out water from the left side of the palm.

i. Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
I satisfy the sages lead by Veda Vyasa

ii. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
I satisfy all sages

iii. Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
I satisfy all the society sages

iv. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
I satisfy the wives of the sages

v. Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
I satisfy the society of wives of sages

vi. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Brahma

vii. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Lord Moon

viii. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called God of fire

Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers

ix. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe

x. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy the Gods of Upanishads presiding over Vedas

xi. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy the Gods of Upanishads presiding over fire sacrifices

xii. Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy The Gods of Upanishads presiding over water

Put the Yagnopaveetham (poonal) as garland and pour water by towards the left of the palm

xiii. Havyavaham tharpayami
I satisfy the fire God who bears our oblations

xiv. Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe

Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards body

xv. Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
I satisfy the Brahmam who is within me

xvi. Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe

xvii. Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi Aruna who chariots the Sun God

Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers

xviii. Sadasaspathim tharpayami
I satisfy the lord who presides over everything

xix. Rig vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Rig Veda

xx. Yajur Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Yajur Veda

xxi. Sama Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Sama Veda

xxii. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy Atharvana Veda

xxiii. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
I satisfy the epics

xxiv. Kalpam tharpayami
I satisfy the eons

o. Only those who have lost their father (others go to step p) do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb and index finger.

i. Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
I satisfy my manes lead by moon the leader of manes, Yama the god of dead ones and Fire, the carrier of our offerings.

ii. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
I satisfy all my manes

iii. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
I satisfy the society of manes

iv. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
I satisfy the wives of manes

v. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
I satisfy the society of the wives of manes

vi. oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
Please be the juice of food, nectar, Ghee, milk, honey and Jaggery water and satisfy my manes, Satisfy, satisfy, satisfy

vii. Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
I satisfy this universe as long as Lord Brahma exists

p. Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.

4. Maha Samkalpam (after Madhyaanikam and Brahma Yagnam*):

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Face eastern direction and repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.

c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!
d. Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa, ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi, manasam vaachikam paapam, karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya.Sree rama Rama rama
For making the unholy, the holy in case of all situations, I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the loins which were earned in performance of duties, there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Thithir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat,
Sri Govinda, Govinda, Govinda
Today the thithi is Vishnu, and so is the day and star, By yoga as well as performance of action the whole universe is filled by Vishnu. Govinda, Govinda, Govinda

Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya, aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
In the middle of the great waters which are maintained by the power which cannot be estimated of the primeval God, the ancient Vishnu and the Ancient Narayana

paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye,
In the middle of crores of rotating universes

eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi - mahada vyakthai-aavaranair - aavruthe -
In the unified whole of Earth which is encircled by air and sky in a clear fashion

asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye
In the middle of our universe

aadhara sakthi - koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya, athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale,
Above the seven nether worlds of Athala, Vithala, Suthala, rasatala, Thala Thala and Patala, where the basic power in the form of Varaha established the world on the back of eight elephants,

punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor - bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage
Below the six worlds which are residences of the ones who do holy acts viz. Bhuva, Suva, Maha, Jana, Thapa and Sathya

mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe,
Where the thousand heads of Adhi Sesha are spread everywhere,

dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe,
Where sounds roar in all directions,

panchasath koti yojana vistheerne,
Which is of the area of 50 crores yojanas,

lokaloka - achalena valayithe
Which consists of populated areas and mountains,
lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe,
Which is surrounded by the oceans of salt, Surapana (an intoxicating drink), Sarpa, curd, Milk and water,

jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye
In the middle of seven islands called Jambu, Plaksha, Saka, Salmali, Kusa, Krouncha and Pushkara,

Jamboo dweepe,
In the Jamboo island,

Bharatha varshe,
In the continent ruled by King Bharatha,

bharatha kande,
In the sub-continent of India,

prajaapathi kshetre
In the area created by Lord Brahma,

dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe,
In the middle of the area surrounded by the forests of Dandakaranya, Champakaranya, Veeksharanya,Vedaranya and other holy forests,

karma bhoomou,
In the land of action

rama - sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe,
In the middle of Kedharnath and the bridge built by Rama,

Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi, aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe,
In the area where several holy rivers such as Ganga, Gouthami, Krishna veni, Yamuna, Narmada, Thunga Bhadra, Triveni, Malaprabha, Kaveri etc flow,

Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe
In the area where cities like Indraprastha, Tamaprastha, Avanthikapuri, Hasthinapuri, Ayodhya, Maya Puri, Benares, Kanchipuram, Dwaraka etc shine,

Sakala jagat srushtu, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou
In the fifty years of the second parardha of Brahma who creates all the world and lives two parardhas,

prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae,
In the first year, first month, first Paksha (moon phase) and first day,

aahni, dweethiye yame,
In the day time in the second yaama (four Yamas make 12 houurs),

trithiye muhurthe,
In the third Muhurtha (30 muhurthas make one day)
swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu,
After the period of the six manus called Swayambuva, Swarochisha, Uthama, Thamsa, Raivatha and Chakshusha, (the kings who were ruling entire earth)

sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare,
In the seventh Vaivaswatha manvanthara, (Vivaswan was a Manu)

aashta vimsathi thame,
In the twenty eighth Chathur yuga,

kali yuge,
In Kali yuga,

prathame padhe,
In its first part,

Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane, vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye, ------ nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Karkidaga mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam* shubha thidou, --------- vasara yukthayam, ---------- nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam* shubha thidou,
In the island of Jambu, In the continent of Bharatha, In the country of Bharatha, south of mount Meru, in the middle of the sixty year cycle of years which is in practice. In the ------ year, in the southern solastice, in the Greeshma season (August-september), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga, in the good karana, and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described

anaadhya avidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre,
In the growing wheel of life which does not have any beginning and grows through ignorance,

vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa,
Being born in varied wombs due to Karma several times,

kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho,
But due to the holy deeds done, being born as a man and specially as a Brahmin,

Mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham,
And in the several births that I have taken till this time,

baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu
In the childhood, youth and elderly age and in the states of wakefulness, dream and sleep,

mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai,
due to the dealings of mind, words, body and organs of action,

kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam,
born out of passion, anger,. avarice, desire, exuberance and competition,

iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam,
in this birth and in all previous births, knowingly and unknowingly done,
maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam,
Great sins and having been the cause for doing great sins,

samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam
normal sins and subsidiary sins

malini karanaanam
making things dirty

nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam
For having done hateful actions for the sake of earning wealth to lead a life,

aapathrikarananaam,
by giving and taking from unsuitable sources,

jathi bramsa karaanam,
for actions which lead to the deterioration of my caste,

vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam,
For not doing rituals which should have been done,

jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam,
for having left actions which are proper knowingly and unknowingly doing proper things,

sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham,
For redemption of sins of all these types,

aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou,
In front of the banyan tree, in front of devas and brahmanas, in front of 33 crores of gods,

sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swami sannidhou,
In front of Kasi Viswanadha accompanied by Visalakshi,, in front of Lord Ganesa, In front of Lord Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shathrugna,

sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou,
In front of Lord Gopalakrishna accompanied by Sathyabhama and Rukmani, in front of lord Aiyappa., In front of Lord Lakshmi Narayana,

sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.
I start learning of Vedas in this Pournami with Sravana Nakshatra

Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
As a part of this during the Pournami and Sravana, for the sake of cleaning my body, I take bath

Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi
I salute Lord Bhairava who is very cruel, who has a big body,
Who does not have any similar ones in this age,
And take his permission to proceed further.
5. Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra:

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in S. No.1. Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e., bath by sprinkling of water on the head.

6. Kanda Rishi Tharpanam

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Face eastern direction and repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.

c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

d. Mamo partha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
For getting rid of all problems that have occurred to me and for pleasing Lord Shiva, in the pournami accompanied by Sravana Nakshatra, as a part of my learning Vedas I do the oblation to Kanda rishis

Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

i. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Prajapathi

ii. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called moon

iii. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called fire

iv. Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called devas of the world

v. Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Vedas

vi. Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Yagnas

vii. Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Varuna

viii. Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
I satisfy the Brahmam which is within me

ix. Sadasaspathim tharpayami
I satisfy the presiding deity

Wear yagnopavita (poonal) in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

7. Vedarambham

This is the most important part of Avani Avittam. We as Brahmins restart on this day chanting of all Vedas and its branches symbolically

Adhya poorvoktha evam guna viseshena viishtayam, asyam sravanyam pournamasyam, Vedarambham karishye
In the Pournami of Sravana month which has the good qualities as told earlier, I am starting the chanting of Vedas

Hari Om. EEshethworje thwam vayavastho payavastha devo vas savitha prarpayathu sreshta thamaya karmane.Om
Hari Om. Oh cows, oh calves, for giving us Anna (food) and Rasa(taste) and making us join in the great duty of worship of Gods, you go for grazing and come back. Let the Saavithru deva (Sun God), give you good grazing. Om (these are the first line of Yajur Veda)

Bhadram karnobhi srunuyama deva. Bhsadram pasyemaksha bhiryajasra. Stirai rangai sthushtuva un sa sthanoobhi. Vyasema deva itham yadaryu. Swasthi na indro vrudha srava, swasthi na poopa viswarveda, swasthi nasthakshyor arishta nemi. Swasthi na brahaspathim dadhathu. Om
Oh devas, with your ears hear the good that we have to say. Oh people fit to be worshipped, please see with your eyes the good we do. Let us pray Devas with healthy body parts and body and attain the life span that the devas have. Let Indra who has great fame give us all that is good. Let the Sun god who knows everything give us all that is good. Let Garuda who does have any obstacles in the way give us all that is good. Let Brahaspathi give us all that is good.

Adatho darsa pournamasyai vyakhyasyama. Prathar agnihothram hruthwa. Anyamavahaneeyam praneeya. Agnin vadadhathi. Na gatha sriyonya magnim pranayathi. Om
We are now describing Amavasya and Pournavasya. We have to finish agnihothra in the morning, then establish ahavanneeyagni and worship fire. The widower should not worship any other havaneeyagni. Om (From Apasthamba sroutha suthra)
Adha karmani. Aacharadhyani grahasthe. Udhagayana poorvapakshaha. Punyaheshu kaaryani. Yagnopaveethina pradakshinam. Om
Now the ritual duties. These are to be done by Grahshthas as per teaching of Acharyas. These have to be done in the Poorva paksha, day time and sacred days. They have to be done with the sacred thread in the clock wise fashion. (From Apasthamba sroutha Suthra)

Adhatha saamayacharikaan dharman vyakyasyama. Dharmagna samaya. Pramanam Vedascha. Chathwaro varna. Om
We now tell the Dharma which is ancient and followed by our ancestors. These are based on the Vedas and the words of the people who know Dharma. There are four Varnas. Om (Apasthambha Dharma Suthra)

Aye un. Rulrukh, A od, I ouch, Haya varat. Lan. Gnamadan nam. Jabhagn. Gadadhsh. Jabagada Das. Khafachatath. Chatanav. Kapay. Sashasar. Hal. Ithi Maheswara Suthrani
Aye ......... Hal. These are the Suthras of Maheswara (the great god)

Geernisa sreya. Dhenava sri. Rudrasthu namya. Bhago hi yagnya.Dhanyeyam nari. Dhanavan puthra. Om
Let our words lead to greet good. Let our wealth and cows grow. Rudras are fit to be worshipped. Let God be worshipped by fire sacrifices. Let my lady grow wealthy. Let my son become rich. Om (From Jyothisha suthra)

Agnimeele purohitham yagnasya deva mruthwijam. Hotharam rathna dathamam. Om
I salute Agni who stands first and leads us, who is the first God of all yagna, who has the form of Rithvik as well as hotha andis the one who gives us matchless wealth.
(This line consists of the first words of the Rig Veda.)

Agne aayahi veethaye grunano havya dathaye, Ni hotham sathsi barhishi om
Oh Agni you have to come, Please accept our worship because we sing your praise.. Whatever we offer to you, please make it reach the concerned devas. You who have been invited should occupy your place in the hall of yaga. (This line consists of the first words of Sama Veda.)

Adatho Brahma Jignasa, Om
My salutations to Brahma

Om namo brahmne, namosthvagnaye, nama pruthwayai, nama Oshadheebhya. Namo vache namo vachaspathaye, namo vishnave brahathe karomi Om (Evam Thri)
Salutaions to Brahma. Salutations to Agni (fire God), Salutations to earth, Salutations to plants and climbers. Salutation to words. Salutation to the lord of words (Brahaspathi). Salutations to Lord Vishnu (repeat this thrice)


Gaayathri Japam (To be performed on the next day after Sandhya Vandanam):

a. Perform Aachamanam.

b. Face eastern direction and repeat:
Shuklaam Baradharam Vishnum,
Shashi Varnam Chaturbuhjam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaaye,
Sarva Vighno Pashaantaye.
c. Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

d. Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva, vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaraami
For getting rid of all our problems and to please Lord Parameshwara, in this time which is good, which has the power of stars, the power of moon, the power of knowledge, I meditate on the consort of Goddess Lakshmi

Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa, ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi, manasam vaachikam paapam, karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya.Sree rama Rama
For making the unholy, the holy in case of all situations, I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the loins which were earned in performance of duties, there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe, Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame, Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye.
In the beginning due to the wish of Lord Vishnu, the world started functioning and the first Brahma was created. In the second division in the age of the white boar, during the rule of Vaivaswatha Manu, in the 28th part Kali Yuga, in the first division, in the Island of Jambu (Jamun) fruit, in the continent of India, in the country of India, to the south of the mountain Meru, in the middle of the 60 year cycle of years starting from Prabhava.

------- nama Samvathsare, Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Karkidaga mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam shubha thidou ------ vaasara yukthayaam -------- nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
in the ------ year, in the southern solstice, in the Greeshma season (August-September), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga, in the good karana, and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described, for performing the annual redemption for not doing the prescribed rituals and for doing the annual redemption, I chant the Gayathri manthra (Om bhur bhuvah svah, Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.*.) 1008 times

* meaning "Oh God who is worthy and eligible, I meditate on thine luminous light, please make my intellect shine

Then chant (taken from Sandhya Vandana):
Pranavasya Rishi Brahma (touch the forehead with fingers), Devi Gayathri Chanda (touch below the nose), Paramathma devatha (touch the middle of the chest)
Bhooradhi saptha vyahrudeenam athri - brugu - kuthsa - vasishta - gowthama - kasyapa - aangeerasa rishaya (touch forhead)
Gayathree - ushnig - anushtup - brahathi - pankthi - trushtup - jagathi - chandamsi (touch below the nose)
Agni - vayu - arka - vageesa - varuna - indra - viswe deva - devatha (touch the middle of the chest.)

Do Pranayama as given below ten times:
Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands and recite the following Manthrs:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Om Apa
Jyothi rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om!

Gayathri Avahanam:

Aayadithya anuvagasya vamadeva rishi (touch head), Anushtup chanda (touch below nose), Gayathri devatha (touch the middle of the chest)
Aayathu varada devi aksharam brahma samhitham.
Gayathri chandasam mathedam brahma jushaswana.
Oojosi, sahosi,balamasi, brajosi,devaanaam dhama naamaasi. viswamasi,
viswayu sarvamasi, sarvayu abhipoorom,Gayathrim avahayami, Savithrim avahayami, saraswathim avahayami (while reciting the last three manthras, after avahayami, keep both the palms together with little fingers touching and then slowly take the fingers towards oneself and bring it back to original position after one rotation)

Then chant Gayathri manthra 'Om bhur bhuva suva, thath savithur varenyam, Bhargo devasya deemahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayath' 1008 times.

After completing it chant the following Manthras taken from Sandhyavandana Manthras and bring to completion the Gayathri Japam (these are not translated because they are a part of Sandhya Vandana):

a. Aayadithya anuvagasya vamadeva rishi (touch head), Anushtup chanda (touch below nose), Gayathri devatha (touch the middle of the chest) Aayathu varada devi aksharam brahma samhitham.
Gayathri chandasam mathedam brahma jushaswana.
Oojosi, sahosi,balamasi, brajosi, devaanaam dhama naamaasi, viswamasi,
viswayu sarvamasi, sarvayu abhipoorom, Gayathrim avahayami, Savithrim avahayami,
saraswathim avahayami (while reciting the last three manthras, after avahayami, keep both the palms together with little fingers touching and then slowly take the fingers towards oneself, and bring it back to original position after one rotation)
Savithrya rishi brahma (touch the forehead), nichrud gayathri chanda (touch below the nose), savitha devatha (touch the middle of the chest)

b. Samashti Abhivadanam
Starting from the direction facing which the japa was done after each manthra turn 90 degrees to the right. Say the next manthra and so on.
Sandhyayai nama
Savithryai nama
Gaythryai nama
Saraswathyai nama

Then chant with folded hands facing the same direction
Sarvebhyo devathabhyo namo nama

Then chant facing the same direction
Kamo karshed manyura karshed namo nama.

Then touch with both hands the ears slightly bow and chant
Abhivadaye (tell your rishis) (tell number) Risheya
(tell your pravara) pravaranvitha
(tell your Gothra) gothra
(tell your Suthra) suthra
(tell your Veda) adhyay
Sri (tell your name) sarmanam aham asmibho
After this touch your feet with both hands and do namaskaram

[Some examples of pravara rishis
Gothra pravara rishaya
Athreya Athreya Archanaanasa, syavaaswa traya risheya
Naidruva kasyapa Kasyapa, Avathsara, Naidruva traya risheya
Gargeya Aangeerasa, Chainya, Gargya traya risheya,
Aangeerasa, Barhaspathya, Baradwaja, Chainya-Gargya pancharisheya
Koundinya Vasishta, Maithra varuna, Koundinya traya risheya
Koushika Vaiswamithra, Aagamarshana, Koushika traya risheya
Gowthama Aangirasa - aayasya - gowthama traya risheya
Baradwaja Aangeerasa, Barhaspathya, Bharadwaja traya risheya
Haritha Aangeerasa, Ambareeksha, Younaswa trayarsheya
Sounaka Garthsamadha Ekarsheya
Chandilya Kasyapa, Aavathsara, Naidruva, Reba, Saptha risheya
Raibha, Choundilya, Chandilya]

c. Dig devatha Vandhanam
With folded hands offer salutations to the different directions facing that direction:
Pracyai dishe nama (east)
Dakshinayai dishe nama (south)
Pradeechai dishe nama (west)
Udichyai dishe nama (North)

Then again face the direction in which you were doing japa and continue:
Oordwaya nama (above)
Adharaya nama (below)
Anthareekshaya nama (straight)
Bhoomyai nama (earth)
Brahmane nama
Vishnave nama
Mrutuyuve nama

d. Yama Vandanam
Yamaya nama
Yamaya dharma rajaya, mrutyuve cha anthakaya cha
Vaivaswathaya kalaya sarva bhootha kshayaya cha
Oudhumbharaya dhagnaya neelaya parameshtine
Vrukodharaya chithraya chithra gupthaya vai nama
Chithra gupthaya vai nama om nama ithi

e. Harihara Vandhanam
Ruthagum sathyam para brahma purusham Krishna pingalam,
Oordhwrethwam viroopaksham Viswa roopaya vai nama
Viswa roopaya vai nama om nama ithi

f. Soorya Narayana Vandhanam
Nama savithre jagadeka chakshushe,
Jagat prasoothi sthithi naasa hethave,
Trayin mayaya trigunathma dharine
Virinchi Narayana sankara athmane
Dyeya sada savithru mandala Madhya varthi
Narayana sarasijasana sannivishta
Keyuravan makara kundalavaan
Kiriti haari hiranya vapur drutha sankha chakra
Sanka chakra gatha pane dwaraka nilayachythe
Govinda pundarikaksha raksha maam sarana gatham
Aakasath pathitham thoyam,
Yada gachathi sagaram,
Sarva deva namaskara
Sri kesavam prathi gachathi,
Sri kesavam prathi gachathi om na ithi

g. Samarpanam
Take a small quantity of water recite the following manthra and pour it on the ground
Kaye na vacha manase indriyair va
Budhyathma nava prakruthai swabhavat.
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai,
Narayana yethi samarpayami
Then do aachamanam

h. Raksha
Sprinkle some water on the place where japa was performed reciting the manthra below, then touch the ground with ring finger and place it between the eyelids:
Adhya no deva savitha praja vath saavee soubhagam
Para duswapneeya suva
Viswani deva savitha - durithani paraa suvaa
Yad bhadram thama asuva.