Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.607

v1.c3.s21.607

Palita, ‘grey-haired,’ occurs frequently from the Rigveda¹ onwards.² It is the distinctive sign of old age. Those who, like certain descendants of Jamadagni, do not grow old,³ are said not to become grey-haired, while Bharadvāja is described as having in his old age become thin and grey-haired.⁴ The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa⁵ in one passage observes that grey hairs appear first on the head, and elsewhere⁶ alludes to the hair on the arms having become grey.