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Sikha



The sikha or shikha is a Sanskrit word that refers to a long tuft, or lock of hair left on top or on the back of the shaven head of a male Orthodox Hindu.

Though traditionally all Hindus were required to wear a sikha, today it is seen mainly among 'celibate monks' and temple priests.

The sikha is tied back or knotted to perform religious rites. Only funerals and death anniversaries are performed with the sikha untied or with dishevelled hair. 

Dishevelled hair is considered inauspicious, and represents times of great sorrow or calamity.





The Notions
  • The sikha reportedly signifies one-pointed (ekanta) focus on a spiritual goal, and devotion to God.
  • It is also an indication of cleanliness, as well as personal sacrifice to God. 
  • It has been said that the sikha allows God to pull one to heaven, or at least from this material world of maya (illusion)
Similar hairstyles are found in other cultures around the world. Read more

Info courtesy: Wikipedia

39 comments:

  1. I remember in one of the Scary Movie parts the guy had fashioned this kind of hairstyle. Nevertheless interesting post indeed.

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  2. I am always happy to learn more about my adopted country and you are the one
    who, so often, enlightens me. I am sure, never in a million years, would this interesting information have come to me had it not been for you.

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  3. Very intriguing. Thanks for sharing the backstory on the sikha.

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  4. Wow...amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I'm glad you linked to Spiritual Sundays. I clicked on your link early this morning. I'll admit at first I was a little surprised and didn't make a comment. I was trying to figure out what to say. I have been thinking about you on and off ever since. You do not believe in God, but He believes in you. I started praying for you, and at church this morning, I couldn't help but think of you off and on during the sermon. I thought as the pastor was talking that he was saying some things you need to hear. I have the strong feeling that it was not just a coincidence that you linked today. I hope you will take the time to watch the video of that sermon I heard this morning. Here is the link if you are at all interested: http://scottsdalebible.com/sermons/i-am-stuck-2
    I am continuing to pray for you.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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    1. Dear Charlotte,
      I too am a little surprised to find your comment.
      There is an ambiguity in the word "belief”. Dictionary says it means –“A vague idea in which some confidence is placed”. That’s ACCEPTING something without being CONVINCED. Belief has something that knowledge needn’t have – double mindedness. That’s the reason I prefer knowledge to belief.
      Please don't bother to pray for me.

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  6. Thank you for sharing this information. I learned something new.

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  7. I love to learn more about different cultures and religions.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Can you tell the reason why they are shaving in their front end ? Is there any scientific reason is there ?

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    1. As per Wikipedia, they do this as an indication of cleanliness, as well as personal sacrifice to God. I didn't read about any scientific reason.

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  9. whatever!!!!we like the photograpy,clear,intriguing and beautiful.thankyou

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  10. Thanks to sharing interesting info.

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  11. Thank you for further informations on the sikha.
    Wonderful photos.
    Have a great monday.
    Mormor

    http://www.starbear.no/mormor/2012/09/09/buet-curved/

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  12. Absolutely beautiful pictures - and thanks for the explanation!

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  13. Thank you for giving both interesting text and pictures. Beautiful curves :)

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  14. Never knew the belief or the reasons behind the hair-does that we used to see almost daily. Good to know and understand instead of blindly following...

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  15. Thank you for your post - I was interested to read about Hindu customs. And thank you for sharing your lovely photograph on Mandarin Orange Monday

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  16. Interesting post! Thanks for sharing (and linking up)

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  17. Fascinated by your post. I am surprised that both females and males shave their hair in this manner but I must confess I have only a little knowledge of hinduism so its good you are around to educate me further. Thanks for the post and enjoy the rest of the week.

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    1. This is practiced by some orthodox Hindu males only.

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  18. Such a beautiful shot with nice information. i like your work.

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  19. You always give a lot of education with your photos.

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  20. Very informative post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  21. This is something new to me. Thank you for those beautiful pictures!

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  22. Interesting culture. Thanks for sharing and stopping by.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2012/09/wordless-wednesday-ericas-hot-friends.html

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  23. The pictures are wonderful. I really loved the story behind the pictures.

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  24. Well, I have learnt something today about a culture I had not already known... And I thank you for that (and I am accepting of your beliefs!)

    Mines up as well at AussiePomm - Sydney Olympic Cauldron Alight (again)

    Have a great WW!!

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  25. Interesting information with amazing pics!!

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  26. This was an informative share, with great pictures!

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  27. Gorgeous pictures as always. Thank you for the background information.

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  28. That was informative.
    Nice framing too.

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  29. fascinating. i didn't know anything about this aspect of Hinduism.

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