Upanayanam

Upanayanam as per Vedic rituals should be done at the

age of 7 or 9 or 11. 13 is ok, but after 16 it is not permitted in Sastras.

Uttarayanam is the right period to perform Upanayanam-

from the Tamil month Tai to Ani, when the sun journeys northwards.

Adi Sankara's Upanayanam, it is believed, was performed when he was five years old.

If the child is extraordinarily intelligent and can articulate words properly,

his Upanayanam may be performed at five years.

The delay in performing the upanayanam should make you uneasy deep

within if you have some concern for the Vedic dharma. According to the Sastras,

the lower limit of Brahmin youngsters is eight years and the upper limit is sixteen

which means a grace of eight years.

It is sinful not to have performed Upanayanam of a Brahmin boy before his passing the upper age limit.