Matted hair: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Matted hair means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

1) Matted Hair is associated with the Sages (Ṛṣis), who follow specific guidelines in the tradition of ancient Indian Painting (citra), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The personalities like [e.g., Sages—ṛṣis], [...] are to be drawn to project them as noble and polite. It is stated that the sage should posses matted hair on their heads. [...]

2) Matted Hair is also associated with Agni iconography..—According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the image of Agni should be placed on a chariot adorned with the images of four parrots and a symbol of smoke. But in the Śilparatna, the image of Agni is instructed to be placed on the seat of a lotus. Having matted hair is another identity of the image of Agni. Thus it is clear that the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa offers a great field of knowledge regarding the nuances of Indian art of Image making [e.g., matted hair] during 10th–11th century A.D.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Matted hair in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Matted Hair (worn as a sectarian emblem) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Jaṭā, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] Adopting external sectarian emblems such as [carrying] one staff, three staffs and so on; [wearing] matted hair (jaṭā), ashes and the like; plucking out the hair and nakedness; wearing ochre robes; pretending to be mad, adopting the way of a non-vedic religion and [consuming] food and drink that should not be consumed, [are all] seen in various religions. [...]”.

Yoga book cover
context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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