Query regarding panchakacham

[Kalidasan]

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Hello everyone
I am a 19 year old Palakkad Iyer (Baudhayana) ; and this is my first post on the forum.
I have heard that bachelors can wear Panchakacham after folding it in half and wearing it in a special way. Is this true?
Thanks for all responses in advance

 

[prasad1]

I am not an expert, but I have some valuable information.

In Vedic tradition, we come across the highly recommended dressing attire for men called-Pancha Kacham. What is its significance that makes it imperative for every man belonging to Vedic SampradhAyam to comply with this requirement once he gets into wedlock? Pancha Kacham is specifically prescribed only for “Gruhasthas” belonging to all the four Varnas. Until a man enters Gruhasthashrama, he is a Bachelor (BrmachAri) focusing on gathering knowledge through appropriate education without yielding to any sensual pursuits. A VAnaprastha and a Sanyasi are expected to lead the lives of pure ‘Nivruthi’ Dharma–giving up the worldly desires (Pravruthi Dharma) adopting spiritual pursuit. So, that makes the Gruhastha eligible for true Pravruthi Dharma that allows him to get married, have children, earn Aishwarya and so on. While doing so, he is expected to discharge his karmic duties in compliance with the Shastras.

The dress code Pancha Kacham is designed to enable a Gruhastha to develop in him the right attitude towards Pravruthi Dharma when worn along with Kaupeena and Anga Vastra (Uthirium). Madisaar is the equivalent dress code for the married women as Pancha Kacham for Gruhasthas.The Sanskrit word “Pancha” means ‘Five’ and the word “Kacham” literally means “Tie-up”. The dress code Pancha Kacham simply enables to keep the Prakritic bodily elements tied up and under control! Once these elements are in control the wandering Manas gets stabilized into SAtvic Buddhi. Once SAtvic nature begins its ascent, the other two unwanted gunas start their descent. A man is considered qualified for Gruhastha Ashrama when he successfully trains himself as a Brahmachari learning the Tatva, Hita and Purushartas of life and decides to launch himself in the worldly duties of Dharma (complying with Shastras), Artha (earning all kinds of wealth) and KAma ( sensual pleasures). These three pursuits are known as ‘Pravruthi Dharma’. That leaves the pursuit of Moksha Dharma which is also known as ‘Nivruthi Dharma’ as the option for all the VarnAshrama followers. VarnAshrama Dharma needs to be followed by all the 3 KaranAs-Manas, Word and Action.

Panchakacham purpose

Anybody knows the reason behind why brahmans or few other community people wear panchakacham. I am looking for a spritual or a scientific reason than quoting, its easy to do pooja etc. What is also...

hinduism.stackexchange.com

So it may not be appropriate for you to wear a Panchakatcham.

 

[prasad1]

Pancha Kachcham:

Traditionally, a Hindu wears Veshti/Dhoti which covers the lower part of their body. These are worn in different styles by different sects of Hindus. Pancha Kachcham is specifically prescribed only for “Grihastha” belonging to all the four Varnas. Pancha Kachcham (from the Sanskrit terms Pancha and gajam meaning “five yards” as the length of the Pancha Kachcham is five yards in contrast to the Veshti’s used in daily life which are four or eight cubits long).

Many times during performing rituals, one has to get up & do pradakshinas etc. These all require an ease in movements. The Pancha Kachcham is the most suitable garment for such occasions. Even the dead body of a Brahmin is clad in Pancha Kachcham because while going to heaven also a true Brahmin should be ready to perform his duties, on his way to & after having reached heaven, so this attire.

MADISAAR AND PANCHAKACHAM

We’ve all seen the women in brahmin families wear the Madisar with elegance and the men wearing Pancha Kachcham with confidence. Ever wondered why they wear these clothing specifically? This week, …

gyanopadesam.wordpress.com

 

[Kalidasan]

Thanks a lot for the detailed information Sir _/|\_

 

[Mani_Chennai]

The reason was to prevent accidental fire catching on the loose clothing when doing homey etc. Also, temple priest had the same fire hazard problem, thus puncha gacham (5 folds) was a convenient way to tuck the edges. I was told once by an old man that the longer the cloth, it is better to use half of that when it is cold and the other half will be on your waist. May be the 9 yards saris were also recommended for the same purpose. Also in case of fire, it is easy to drop the pancha gacham by just a pull and in the dark night one one cares.
There is no rule that you can not wear it if you are not married. Sanyasis wear that too. But strong naalu muzham (4 muzham or hand long) Dothi is more convenient to wear but a belt may be necessary. Many teachers use to wear Panchagacham in olden days and some of them were not even married. They also use Talipakkuu or head gear as a desi method of wearing a hard hat worn by British Official. As of now, wear what you get and GOD will not punish you. Did Shiva use Panchagacham, killed silk worms to spin silk dhoti?. Hisorically and even now in some African countries, they wear nothing or only leaves at the hip. In our climate country any cotton dress is fine. Also, white cloth drive away mosquito as white color radiates heat away from the body and dark colors absorbs. In north India many wear Panchagacham and they will say that it is a tradition.

 

[nanant]

It gives more comfort , especially in any function. Scientifically as it wraps stomach fairly well, chances for hernia is less. Also one feels more relaxed and gets more respect during any function. Only if someone wears regularly, then only its benefit can be felt