Jandhyala Pournami 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Jandhyala Pournami

Jandhyala Pournami falls on Shravana Pournami. On this day those who wear the yajnopaveetham (jandhyam, the sacred thread) perform Upakarma, discard the old thread and wear a new one. The same day is also Raksha Bandhan and Hayagriva Jayanti.

What Is Upakarma?

Upakarma means the renewal of Vedic study. In the past, gurukulas began their annual term of Veda adhyayanam on this day. A sankalpam is taken as atonement for lapses made knowingly or unknowingly through the year, rishi puja and tarpanam are offered in gratitude to the sages who gave us the Vedas, and the new sacred thread is worn with mantras. Yajurvedis usually perform Upakarma on Shravana Pournami, while Rigvedis and Samavedis may observe it on other days according to their tradition.

How Upakarma Is Performed

Bathe at dawn and complete Sandhyavandanam.
Under the guidance of a purohit, take the maha sankalpam and the prayaschitta snanam.
After Ganapati puja and punyahavachanam, worship the Kanda rishis and offer tarpanam.
Wear the new yajnopaveetham with the Gayatri mantra and discard the old one.
Begin Vedic study by reciting a few Veda mantras, and seek the blessings of elders.

Gayatri Japam

On the next day, Shravana Bahula Padyami, many perform Gayatri japam, traditionally chanting the Gayatri mantra 1008 times. Japam done with the new thread is believed to give spiritual strength for the year.

Hayagriva Jayanti and Rakhi

Lord Hayagriva, the deity of learning, is believed to have appeared on this Pournami, so students recite the Hayagriva stotram. Sisters also tie rakhis to their brothers on this day. One Pournami thus honours knowledge, protection and family bonds together.

Things to Do

Keep to sattvic food, and after Upakarma offer tamboolam and dakshina to the purohit and elders. A boy's first Upakarma after his upanayanam is performed with special care. Many temples and community halls hold group Upakarma, which helps those without a family purohit.

May Veda Mata Gayatri and Lord Hayagriva keep the lamp of wisdom glowing in your home.

Frequently asked questions

When is Jandhyala Pournami?

Jandhyala Pournami falls on Shravana Pournami, the same day as Raksha Bandhan and Hayagriva Jayanti.

What is done on Jandhyala Pournami?

Those who wear the yajnopaveetham perform Upakarma, offer rishi puja and tarpanam, and replace the old sacred thread with a new one using mantras.

What is Upakarma?

Upakarma is the Vedic rite that renews Vedic study each year. It includes an atonement sankalpam, tarpanam to the rishis and wearing a new yajnopaveetham.

When is Gayatri japam done after Upakarma?

Gayatri japam is done the next day, on Shravana Bahula Padyami, usually by chanting the Gayatri mantra 1008 times.

Do all Vedic traditions do Upakarma on Shravana Pournami?

Yajurvedis generally do Upakarma on Shravana Pournami. Rigvedis and Samavedis may observe it on other days, so check with your family purohit.

Is Jandhyala Pournami the same as Rakhi Pournami?

Both fall on the same Shravana Pournami. It is called Jandhyala Pournami for the changing of the sacred thread and Rakhi Pournami for sisters tying rakhis.

Jandhyala Pournami 2026

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