Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
4.2. Hair on the head of the Brahmacari
[Full title: (B) The distinctive social features; (I) Ashramadharma, Brahmacari (2): Hair on the head of the Brahmacari].
There are three different views regarding the hair on the head of the brahmacari. The question here arises whether he should. allow them to grow as matted or should shave them? There are three alternatives (1) keeping of hair & allowing them to grow as matted. (2) keeping a tuft of hair on the head & shaving the remaining head. (3) shaving the entire head. Manu .20 19 (2.219) & Gautama (1/1/26) mention & allow any of the above three alternatives to be followed by the brahmacari. The Apastamba Dharmasutra2 (1.1.2.31-32) & Vasistha Dharmasutra (VII.11) allow only first & second alternatives. While the Visnu Dharmasutra (28) 21 allows the first & third alternatives only. The Kathaka Grihyasutra (1.3) describes the brahmacari as samhatakesah (with matted hair). The rule, mentioned in the text is remarkable. There should not be disappearance of the hair on the head & beard & of nails. This indicates that the brahmacari should not shave his head & beard. The nails also are not to be cut by him. The term 'alupta' mentioned in the text may suggest that 'jatilatva' (keeping matted hair) is also not intended by the author. Otherwise, the author himself Would have used that term. It may be understood that kalpana's
893 the author allows the cropping of the hair, but is against shaving.