sacred thread

American  

noun

Hinduism.

1. a cord worn by Hindus of the three upper castes as a sign of being twice-born or initiated into the Vedas.

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Example Sentences

When the avalanche passed, Rijal fell to his knees clutching his upanayana, the sacred thread devout Hindus wear around their neck, and wept.

From Reuters • May 7, 2015

He had taken his shirt off to bathe, and I could see draped over his left shoulder the sacred thread given to Brahman boys when they come of age.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

The local Brāhmans will take water from them and they are occasionally invested with the sacred thread at the time of marriage.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)

Mr. Crooke states that they claim partly a Vaishya and partly a Brāhmanical descent, and wear the sacred thread.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)

He is a man of some importance, and wears a sacred thread like a Brahmin.

From India and the Indians by Elwin, Edward Fenton