Śikha and Yagyopavita symbolize the distinguished disciplines associated with Gāyatrī Sādhanā. These are embodied at the time of mantra dīkšā (spiritual initiation of the sādhanā) of Gayatrī. The notion of dwijatva is incorporated in these two; dwijatva implies second birth – the beginning of a new life, from ignorance to enlightened knowledge and spiritual awareness. It is not that one can’t perform, or, has some prohibition or constraint in performing Gayatri Sadhana without wearing a yagyopavita and maintaining a śikhā. Every man and woman can practice Gāyatrī Sādhanā, Upāsanā without any restriction. The piety of mind and heart are the most desired qualities for the devotion to Gāyatrī Śakti. The observance of the disciplines of śikhā and yagyopavita certainly makes its initiation and accomplishment more adept and facile…
Sikha and yagyopavita are integral components and revered signs of the Vedic Culture. Every person who is assigned important duties is given some ‘marks’ or ‘symbols’ to display as well as remember the dignity and earnestness of his responsibilities. The uniforms or professional dresses of Army-personnel, Policemen, Doctors, Advocates, etc do have special symbols attached with them. The Indian cultural philosophy affirms and guides the purpose and success of life in preventing the thoughts and conduct from evils, ignorance and decline and excelling towards morally refined humanness and divinity… It has been a tradition here that those determined to adopt these noble ideals would keep śikha and yagyopavita.
Sikhā and yagyopavita are not only the glorious symbols of Vedic Culture, but these also vividly represent the great purpose and divine goals of human life. Although each one of us is born as a human being, but that is true only biologically. The animal instincts and unbridled tendencies of sensuous lust, selfishness, jealous etc are assimilated in almost every one since birth. The development of one’s personality as endowed with the true majesty of humanness begins only after he learns and adopts the moral values and disciplines of humanity and endeavors purify his mind and innerself… This transition is what is termed as initiation of dwijatva. The yagyopavita samskāra (thread ceremony) is performed to awaken and teach the disciple and enable this initiation.
The word “dwijatva” means attainment of second birth. The first birth (the biological birth) of a human takes place from the mother’s womb. His spiritual guru is the architect of his second birth. The guru cleans and enlightens the disciple’s inner personality. He cultivates the seed of noble thoughts and values and nurtures them carefully in the disciple’s mental and emotional fields. An otherwise dross, barren and wild land thus gradually grows into a well-maintained blossoming garden…. This upright transmutation of personality is indeed a kāyākalpa or second birth. The preaching, inspiration and spiritual grace of the guru effectuates this process with the diksā of Gayatri Mantra thus making the disciple a dwija – who has embodied dwijatva.
The (new) life of a dwija then begins with an oath to live for the high values of humanity. Wearing a yagyopavita (after the diksā of the Gayatri Mantra) is an indication, a determination, an announcement, of firm belief in this pledge. Yagyopavita is also described as a symbolic idol, a sacred image of Gayatrī. The idols of different manifestations of God are enshrined in temples, at some sacred places of religious importance. But in view of the perennial, preeminent, universal significance of Gayatri Sakti, its sacred image is consecrated so close to the heart in the form of the yagyopavita wore on the chest…
The nine threads of yagyopavita represent the nine segments of the Gayatri Mantra; the three knots symbolize the three vyāhraties Bhūḥ, Bhuvaḥ, Swaḥ and the principal knot (Brahm Granthi) the root – Oam. The yagyopavita is a ‘bond’ of thread that constantly reminds that we should live within the disciplines of human-religion, ethics and noble values. The dwija who enshrines this symbolic idol of Gayatri on his shoulders, chest and back should realize that every moment he is surrounded by the sublime aegis and powers of thee… He should therefore adopt a life that is harmoniously concurrent with thou will and divine dignity of thy grace…
Śikha is another prominent symbol of one’s dedication to great values. It is a flag of divine culture on the fortress of the human brain. As the national flag is hoisted on the government buildings, the sikhā gloriously resides on the head of the devotees of Gayatrī. The rite of śikhā-vanadan in the pancakarmas of Gāyatrī Upāsanā is, apart from its spiritual significance, a mark of respect for the divine flag. The purpose of śikha is to distinctly remark that the mind of a follower of the divine culture should be a sacred center of enlightened thoughts and ideals; there should be no place for any maligned, perverted or unethical thought or mental instinct in this ‘shrine’. Only the royal army or the people of his own state are allowed inside the stout fort of a king. The king’s valor and might ensures that the enemies can’t even enter or peep in its periphery. Similarly, the entry of evil or untoward thoughts should be completely banned in the fortress of the mind that is glorified by the flag of śikhā. The disciple should remain alert and maintain a sagacious vigil on what his mind thinks or aspires for. Virtuous and righteous thoughts should be invited and well protected in this orgülous bequest… by their creative adoption in deeds and conduct.
The distinct spot on the center of the head where śikhā is maintained also has scientific significance. As per the savants of Brain-Sciences, this region is like the navel or the heart the functional center of the brain. This spot, right above the suture, is described in the science of yoga as the radar-sensor of the sahastrara cakra (the crown-center of the extrasensory powers). Likewise the connection of a fruit with the stalk, this cakra links the individual consciousness with the sublime cosmic impulses via the ‘antenna’ of the sikhā. This super delicate center in the brain needs extra protection from injuries, jerks, seasonal variations etc. Śikhă also serves as a soothing shield for this purpose.
Yagyopavita and sikhā supplement the inspirations for psychological and spiritual refinement. While the sikhäā refers to the observance of purity of thoughts and sentiments, the yagyopavita reminds the determined endeavors of maintaining the piety of body and conduct. While the śikha pertains to the implications of the divine knowledge (vidyā) of Gāyatrī, the yagyopavita symbolizes the disciplines of moral deeds in Gayatri Sadhana. The coherent combination of the two-illumined knowledge and ideal actions, is essential for achieving completeness in human life and evolving it from beastliness to humanity…, and eventually to the high realms of divinitv…
Source: Gayatri Sadhana – Why and How?
