Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s11.827

v1.c3.s11.827

Keśa, ‘hair of the head,’ is repeatedly mentioned in the later Saṃhitās and Brāhmaṇas.¹ The hair was a matter of great care to the Vedic Indian, and several hymns of the Atharvaveda² are directed to securing its plentiful growth. Cutting or shaving (*vap*) the hair is often referred to.³ For a man to wear long hair was considered effeminate.⁴ As to modes of dressing the hair see Opaśa and Kaparda; as to the beard see Śmaśru.