Why should the Yajnopavita be placed over the right ear during defecation and urination?
Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya
General
The Vyāsa Smriti gives the answer:
“Ādityāḥ Vasavaḥ Rudrāḥ Vāyuḥ Agniścha Dharmarāṭ |
Puṣkarādyāni tīrthāni Gaṅgādyāḥ saritastathā |
Viprasya dakṣiṇe karṇe nivasanti sadā ||”
Meaning:
In the right ear of a Brahmin, the following are said to reside:
- Ādityas (Sun deities)
- Vasus
- Rudras
- Vāyu (Air)
- Agni (Fire)
- Dharmarāja
- Sacred tīrthas (holy places) like Pushkara
- Holy rivers like Ganga
Because of this, the right ear is considered highly sacred.
Reason for wearing it on the right ear:
- During excretion, the body becomes impure
- To protect the sacred thread from impurity, it is placed on the right ear
- Since the right ear is sacred, it is the appropriate and prescribed place
Conclusion:
- The Yajñopavīta should be worn on the right ear only during such times
- It should not be worn on the left ear
- This practice helps maintain the purity and sanctity of the sacred thread
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