A Yagyopavit, also widely known as a Janeu or Sacred Thread, is a significant and revered symbol in Hinduism. It is a thin, usually white, cotton thread traditionally worn by males (and historically, in some traditions, by females) who have undergone the Upanayana ceremony. This ceremony is a vital rite of passage, signifying a spiritual rebirth and an initiation into formal Vedic education and a disciplined life as a Brahmachari (student).

The Yagyopavit typically consists of three strands, often knotted together, symbolizing various profound concepts such as the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama), or the three cosmic debts (to sages, deities, and ancestors). Worn diagonally across the body, from the left shoulder to the right hip, it serves as a constant reminder of one’s vows, spiritual responsibilities, and commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed. It is believed to purify the wearer, protect from negative energies, and enhance the ability to gain knowledge and perform sacred rituals.