Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s11.89

v1.c3.s11.89

Kaparda, ‘braid,’ Kapardin, ‘wearing braids.’ These words refer to the Vedic custom of wearing the hair in braids or plaits. Thus a maiden is said to have her hair in four plaits (catuṣ-kaparda),¹ and the goddess Sinīvālī is described as ‘wearing fair braids’ (su-kaparda).² Men also wore their hair in this style, for both Rudra³ and Pūṣan⁴ are said to have done so, while the Vasiṣṭhas⁵ were distinguished by wearing their hair in a plait on the right (dakṣiṇatas-kaparda). The opposite was to wear one’s hair ‘plain’ (pulasti).⁶ See also Opaśa.