A sacred thread worn by Braahman, Khatriya and Vaishya after their Yagyopaveet Sanskaar is performed. This is a cord of three threads, each of nine twisted strands. It is made of cotton for Braahman, hemp for Kshatriya, or wool for Vishya. It is a great sin to remove it. While wearing it, Braahman whispers Gaayatree Mantra in the boys ears. It should be known that Gaayatree Mantra can be spoken only by three higher Varn people. The wearer has several rules to follow. It can be changed at certain times. After this ceremony the people are called "twice-born".

According to [Bhavishya Puraan, p 12], this thread is worn on right shoulder hanging down crosswise to left side reaching just below the waistline, left arm over it and when it is worn like this, the person is called Upaveetee and it should be worn like this. But if it is worn otherwise, over right shoulder and under left arm, he is called Praacheenaaveetee (Apasavya) and if it is worn like a garland he is called Niveetee.

According to [Padm Puraan, 3/4] this thread, when first worn as a garland, then take out his right hand, and keep it on his left shoulder, it is called "Upaveet". Yagyopaveet should always be kept like this. When it is worn like a garland, it is called "Niveet". And when it is worn over right shoulder, under left arm, it is called "Praacheenaaveet (Apasavya). One should wear it in this way in Pitar worship (Shraaddh, Tarpan etc). While being in Havan place, near Braahman and elderly people, at the time Sandhyaa worship, one should wear Yagyopaveet as "Upaveet". This is Sanaatan method to wear it.