Brahmopadesam: initiation into the spiritual path of Brahma-realisation. (PraV, p. 49)

The ceremony of Brahmopadesam is Upanayanam, because the word means, taking near, taking the young aspirant near Brahman, that is to say, introducing him to Brahma jijnasa, the path of Brahma. It is one of the Samskaras, that is, rites, which reconstruct the personality, reform the mind, purify it and re-build it. It makes the person receiving it a Dwija, a twice born! The boy is born first into the world; now, he is born into the Sadhaka world. He becomes a Brahmachari, a person who walks towards Brahman. So, it is a very significant day in the lives of these people, a day they must long remember with joy and thankfulness. It is the day when their hearts were turned towards God; and they should try not to run away from God, hereafter; that is great responsibility.

The initiation was done by the Upadesam of the Gayatri mantram. The mantram is a universal prayer that can be used by men of all climes and creeds, for, it calls upon the Glorious Power that pervades the Sun and the three worlds to arouse, awaken and strengthen the Intelligence, so that it may lead to intense Sadhana and Sadhana may lead to success. (SSS Vol.3, pp. 226-227)