Upanayana Or The Thread Ceremony Is Performed Anytime Between The Ages Of Five To Eight Years Old. Upa Mean ‘Approaching Towards’ And Nayanam Means ‘Leading’. In This Sanskara The Child Is Given The Yajnopavit (Sacred Thread), Which Is Made From Three Strands Representing The Three Letters Of AUM. The Three Strands Also Symbolize The Three Discipline Of Life, Which Are Knowledge, Action And Devotion.