The Upanishada Vrata is one of the four vratas or sacraments outlined by ancient writers on dharmashastra, such as Gautama. These vratas were considered crucial for a brahmacharin, a celibate student of the Vedas, and were meant to precede the study of different sections of the Vedas.
Maha-namni-vrata: This is the vow related to the great name.
It involves the study and chanting of sacred names and hymns.
Maha-vrata: The great vow includes various rituals and
ceremonies, marking a significant commitment to the study of the Vedas.
Upanishad-vrata (or Aupanishada-vrata): This vow
specifically precedes the study of the Upanishad part of the Vedas. The
Upanishads are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, self,
and ultimate truth.
Godana-vrata: This vow is related to the gift of a cow. It
involves the act of giving a cow as a form of charity or donation.
The initiation of each vrata involves a separate upanayana
ceremony, which includes the wearing of a new yajnopavita (sacred thread), a
new deer skin, and a new girdle. The vrata is then observed for one year.
It's worth noting that failure to observe these vratas or
lapses during their performance had to be expiated with appropriate
prayashcittas, which were special rituals or penances prescribed for
purification. Over time, the observance of these vratas seems to have gradually
diminished.
The significance of these vratas lies in their role in
preparing the brahmacharin for the profound and deep study of the Vedas, each
emphasizing different aspects of Vedic knowledge and practice. The
Upanishada-vrata, in particular, underscores the importance of a focused and
committed approach to the study of the Upanishads, which are considered the
culmination of Vedic wisdom.