Significance of Twice-born person
In Vaishnavism and Hindu tradition, a Twice-born person signifies individuals who have experienced a spiritual rebirth, primarily through the sacred thread ceremony (upanayana). This term is associated with higher castes such as Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, indicating their formal initiation into spiritual life and Vedic traditions. Twice-born individuals carry special responsibilities and privileges in society, often linked to their religious duties, education in sacred texts, and the moral obligations they hold within their communities.
Synonyms: Reborn, Spiritually awakened, Enlightened person, Born again., Reincarnated
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Twice-born person'
In Hinduism, a Twice-born person signifies individuals initiated into higher spiritual knowledge through rites like Diksha, marking their spiritual rebirth and conferring greater social and religious responsibilities within higher castes, particularly Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation, deemed essential for spiritual and judicial matters in the society.[1] (2) Refers to members of the higher castes (Brahmana, Kshatriya, and Vaishya) who undergo a sacred thread ceremony signifying their higher spiritual status.[2] (3) Individuals who are given responsibility in the observance of certain religious duties and property divisions.[3] (4) A person who belongs to a higher social or spiritual class, typically referred to in the context of Hindu society.[4] (5) Refers to individuals of the higher caste who are considered spiritually reborn and thus have restrictions regarding marriage with lower caste individuals.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals belonging to the three higher social classes in Hindu society (Brahmana, Kshattriya, and Vaishya) who have undergone a spiritual rebirth.[6] (2) Individuals who, through spiritual initiation, have gained a second birth in the context of divine consciousness.[7] (3) An individual who has undergone a second birth through initiation and spiritual education.[8] (4) Individuals initiated into higher spiritual knowledge through specific purificatory rites.[9] (5) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, typically referring to the priestly caste (Brahmanas) in Hinduism.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Individuals who have undergone a second birth through sacred initiation, also referred to as dvija.[11] (2) Refers to individuals belonging to higher castes, particularly the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas in Hindu society.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often referring to the higher castes in Hinduism.[13] (2) Individuals belonging to the higher castes who have undergone a spiritual rebirth through the sacred thread ceremony.[14]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often associated with those who study sacred texts like the Rik, Yajus, and Sama-veda.[15]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A term used for those initiated into the Vedic traditions, typically referring to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to individuals who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony (upanayana), indicating their initiation into spiritual life.[17]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals who have undergone the necessary purificatory processes, including kshatriyas and vaishyas.[18]