Upanayana (Thread Ceremony), the ninth samskara marks the beginning of “Gurukul Vrat” and ‘Bhramacharya' . This samskara is done to purify the soul of the child and it enhances the grasping power and the intellect of the child. During the samskara the child pledges to live life in a particular way (as per Gurus instructions) and adhere to all kinds of hardship without complaining.

Upanayana in Sanskrit means bringing the pupil to the Guru (Upa means pupil and here Nayana means to bring) for acquiring knowledge and to follow the course.

According to Vedas and Shastras this period of life is meant for acquiring knowledge and is called Adhyayan (means acquiring knowledge). The period is 12 years long. It has to be followed with some rules and regulations. During his life in Gurukul (the place / ashram where pupil stays with his Guru) it is customary to perform daily rituals like Sandhya Agni karya, Brahmayagnya , and etc.

The pupil is expected to focus on studies without enjoying any materialistic ecstasy. He must dedicate himself towards studies, acquire knowledge and religiously obey and follow his Guru.

Once the disciple has acquired and mastered his knowledge (Adhyayan) four concluding samskara like Mahanamni Vrat, Mahavrata, UpanishadVrata, and Keshant Samskara is to be performed.