Significance of Matted hair
Synonyms: Tangled hair, Knotted hair, Disheveled hair, Twisted hair, Unkempt hair
In Dutch: Klittend haar; In Finnish: Mattaiset hiukset; In Spanish: Cabello enmarañado; In German: Verfilztes Haar; In Swedish: Matt hår; In Malay: Rambut kusut; In French: Cheveux emmêlés; In Swedish: Tovigt hår; In Finnish: Takkuiset hiukset; In Italian: Capelli arruffati; In Portugese: Cabelo emaranhado; In Polish: Splątane włosy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Matted hair'
Matted hair in Buddhism symbolizes a hermit's lifestyle and ascetic practices, representing simplicity, renunciation, and spiritual commitment. It serves as an external sign of holiness, but its worthiness is questioned when lacking true character.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Wearing matted hair as an external sign of holiness, which does not lead to spiritual purity.[1] (2) A physical characteristic referenced in the text suggesting that wearing matted hair does not constitute being a true brahmin.[2] (3) A characteristic of the ascetics that indicates their ascetic practices and lifestyle.[3] (4) Matted locks or hair often associated with ascetic practices, questioned for their usefulness when one's character is unwise.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Kassapa reflected on his matted hair and beard, becoming conscious of his ascetic appearance and feeling remorseful.[5] (2) A style of hair typical of ascetics, symbolizing renunciation and often associated with particular spiritual practices.[6] (3) A style of hair worn by ascetics as a sign of renunciation and commitment to a life of simplicity and spirituality.[7] (4) A physical characteristic associated with ascetics, suggesting a lifestyle of renunciation and simplicity.[8]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A physical characteristic of Kaliadevila, indicating his status as a hermit.[9] (2) The locks of hair of Devila that Narada unintentionally stepped on during the night.[10] (3) A symbol of a hermit's lifestyle, indicating a lack of concern for grooming, suggesting simplicity and commitment to ascetic practices.[11]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Refers to a style of hair that might have caused some confusion in the context of conversation.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A physical representation of the ascetic practices by the followers who accompanied the Buddha in the beginning.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Matted hair'
In Hinduism, matted hair symbolizes asceticism, representing a life of renunciation and discipline. It is associated with deities like Lord Shiva and figures like Daksinamurti and Bhagiratha, reflecting commitment to spiritual practices.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The chief dwelt at Nandigram with hermit’s dress and matted hair, indicating a life of renunciation and religious devotion.[14] (2) The phrase 'matted hair' is used to describe Rama's hair.[15] (3) Matted hair is a part of the hermit's dress that Bharat will wear for fourteen seasons, signifying a period of separation and devotion.[16] (4) This describes the physical appearance of Rama while in the forest, signifying a renunciation of worldly comforts and a life of simplicity.[17] (5) This describes the twisted coils of hair worn by the reverend men, who are bathing in the water.[18]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) This refers to the Ganga's origin, originating from the Maheshvara, the three-eyed lord, implying a divine source and connection to a higher power.[19] (2) Refers to the hair of Shankara, which caught the waters flowing towards the South, symbolizing containment and protection.[20] (3) The location of Ganga as mentioned in relation to Lord Shiva, from where she would later be released.[21] (4) Symbolizes asceticism and spiritual power, often associated with sages and ascetics.[22] (5) A physical characteristic of ascetics that symbolizes a guarantee for achieving realization, representing the mystical aspect.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A detail describing Manu's appearance while practicing austerities, indicating his dedication and self-discipline.[24] (2) The young man's hair that the speaker touched, as they embraced, and the young man bent down, and the speaker felt joy, indicating a close interaction between them.[25] (3) A physical characteristic representative of asceticism or a life of renunciation, worn by the sons of Pritha during their hardships in the forest.[26]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Parasurama was described as having this physical characteristic.[27] (2) A description of Rama's appearance during his exile, signifying his renunciation of royal life.[28] (3) Symbolizes the ascetic lifestyle taken on by Rama and Lakshmana during their exile in the forest.[29]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A description of Mahesvara's appearance, characterized by hair styled in twists, associated with power.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) This describes the prince's physical appearance, indicating his ascetic lifestyle and the hardships he has endured, reflecting his suffering.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A hairstyle characterized by tangled, unkempt locks, symbolizing detachment from worldly vanity and a commitment to spiritual pursuits.[32] (2) A distinctive feature of Lord Nara-Narayana, adding to his sage-like appearance and spiritual stature.[33] (3) A hairstyle associated with asceticism, often seen in sages to signify their renunciation of worldly attachments.[34] (4) A distinctive hairstyle often associated with ascetic practices, signifying renunciation and devotion.[35] (5) A traditional feature of ascetics, representing Shiva's renunciation and commitment to a spiritual path.[36]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A physical appearance characteristic of certain ascetic practices, referenced in describing those who are pashandis.[37]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Marubhuti saw an ascetic with matted hair sitting on a slab of rock, which is a characteristic of ascetics.[38] (2) A characteristic feature of certain ascetics or devotees, emphasizing a lifestyle of renunciation and simplicity.[39]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A physical description of Ishvara, symbolizing ascetic qualities and connection to spirituality.[40] (2) The distinctive hair of Isha, contributing to his divine and unique countenance.[41]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Hair styled in specific forms (jata and juta) that reflects the ascetic and sage-like qualities of the individuals.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Hair that is uncombed and tangled, worn on the head by adherents of certain practices, as noted in Shaiva traditions.[43]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A physical manifestation of the ascetic lifestyle, associated with hermits and their renunciation of worldly attachments.[44]
Jain concept of 'Matted hair'
In Jainism, matted hair symbolizes asceticism and renunciation. It represents the unkempt appearance of a female demon assuming an ascetic form, the divine qualities of Yaksha Varuna, and embodies the essence of a life devoid of vanity.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A form of deception used by heretics to cheat simple laymen, along with maunji-grass girdles, top-knots, ashes, and bark-dress.[45] (2) A physical characteristic of Yaksha Varuna, suggesting asceticism or divine qualities.[46] (3) The unkempt hair of the female demon as she assumed the form of a female ascetic.[47] (4) A physical representation of the ascetic lifestyle, symbolizing renunciation and the absence of vanity.[48]
The concept of Matted hair in local and regional sources
Matted hair symbolizes the untamed, wild essence of deities and spiritual figures, reflecting neglect, a raw connection to nature, and the spiritual journey of Sannyasins, highlighting both chaos and the passage of time.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A chaotic and tangled mass that symbolizes the passage of time and the weight of existence.[49] (2) Symbolizes the rugged and untamed aspects of nature, representing the ancient and eternal qualities of the mountain.[50] (3) A metaphorical representation of something wild and untamed, perhaps illustrating the raw aspect of the Creator's presence.[51] (4) Hair that is tangled and disorderly, suggesting neglect or a lack of resources to care for it.[52] (5) A description of unkempt or tangled hair, suggesting neglect or estrangement.[53]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) This describes a physical attribute of the deity, appearing with yellow-colored locks atop his head, as part of his manifested form when interacting with a devotee.[54] (2) A characteristic feature of the deity's appearance, suggesting a wild and powerful nature.[55]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This describes a physical characteristic of Yogis and Sannyasins, indicating a specific appearance associated with their spiritual practices.[56] (2) A characteristic of the old Sannyasins, which is a part of the contrast that people cannot appreciate.[57]