In an age when hairstylists like Javed Habib are ruling the roost and are known universally for their hairstyling techniques, they might fail in one thing. They would fail to create matted hair and often thick overgrowth of hair on the head of sages called “Jata “ in Hindi.
This 300 year old tradition of having thick matted locks is unique to the Darshani sages of India.
Those sages who pray to Lord Shiva and look upto him and follow him are people who follow the tradition of keeping a Jata (matted locks) like the deity.
Many consider this to be a part of Indian culture and traditions from the time the Universe came into being. To have these matted locks a sage has to go through a long process.
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Sages say, “The Jata is like Jewellery. If jewellery is not with you then how will you decorate yourself? This tradition has now been long followed. It is the sign of a saint. Senior Acharyas are often seen donning the sacred look. Those belonging to the Udaseen Akhada keep Jata. Those who keep a Jata are said to be spectacular.
Matted locks on the head of the sages of India are something that take time to form and maintenance is also a tideous process. Those with thick and matted locks it is claimed are the group of sages often referred to as the Darshani sages. The fact that the hair on the heads of sages resembles a rope gives a unique feel in these mendicants.
It takes years to develop the Jata. The idea is not growing the hair to the shoulder, it is the idea of growing it beyond the height of the person himself. The secret of having thick hair resembling ropes is the use of a combination of ashes and water which is used.
The sages are also very careful that the Asana or the seating place is in a place which is clean of dirt and dust.
A Mahant says “It grows slowly and gradually like a child does. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain. No hard work means dull result.”
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The holymen claim that the tradition has been passed over generations and it still goes on, which every sage proudly follows.
The relevance of this look can be understood by studying the features of Lord Shiva. The matted hair for Shiva gives him the name of Jatajoota Dhari which is followed by the Darshani sages.
NOTE – Pics sourced from the net
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