Shikha
A traditional Hindu tuft of hair kept at the crown after shaving the rest of the head.
The shikha is a ritual hairstyle practiced by Hindu men involving the removal of most hair while retaining a small tuft at the crown. Rooted in ancient Sanskrit texts, it serves as a spiritual marker of devotion and purity for initiates and priests.
- The shikha is a tuft of hair kept at the crown after shaving the rest of the head.
- It is mandated in ancient Hindu texts for initiated men to gain religious merit.
- Mohandas K. Gandhi removed his shikha before going to England to avoid ridicule.
- Chanakya undid his shikha after being insulted by King Dhana Nanda.
- The tuft symbolizes the entry and exit point of the human spirit according to Tantra.
What it is
The shikha consists of a single lock of hair left at the top of the head while the remainder is shaved off. This style appears as a distinct tuft on an otherwise bald scalp. It is primarily worn by Hindu men, particularly Brahmins, temple priests, and ascetics who follow strict religious codes. The practice involves maintaining this specific area of growth throughout adulthood.
Where it comes from
The tradition dates back to ancient Sanskrit literature and Smriti texts which mandate the style for initiated Hindus. It gained prominence during the composition of Sutra texts like the Katyayana Grhya Sutra. Historical figures such as Chanakya reportedly removed their shikha as a vow of protest against King Dhana Nanda. Mohandas K. Gandhi also abandoned the style before traveling to England to avoid ridicule, influencing others to do the same.
What it means
This hairstyle symbolizes a one-pointed focus on spiritual goals and devotion to God. It represents cleanliness and personal sacrifice. According to Tantra, the tuft marks the point where the spirit enters and leaves the body. Keeping the shikha is considered essential for gaining full merit from religious ceremonies, and removing it requires specific penance.
How it is made
The process begins with the chudakarana ritual in childhood, where most hair is shaved except for a lock at the crown. This remaining tuft is allowed to grow throughout life. Surrounding hair must be regularly shaved to maintain the distinction. Some traditions dictate the tuft's position based on clan customs, such as shifting it to the right or keeping it centered.
Versions
Regional names include kuḍumi in Tamil, choṭi in Hindi, and pilaka in Telugu. Variations exist in placement; some clans keep the tuft on the right side, while others maintain it centrally. The Yajnavalkya Smriti describes different configurations based on gotra, including five-tuft arrangements for auspiciousness or completely shaven heads for specific lineages.
In culture
The style holds significant cultural weight in Hindu identity. Gandhi's decision to remove his shikha highlighted tensions between traditional religious symbols and colonial perceptions. Chanakya's abandonment of the tuft served as a political statement. The practice remains a visible marker of religious commitment for many Indian men, though less common among the general population today.
Questions people ask about Shikha
What is a shikha?
A shikha is a traditional Hindu hairstyle where most of the hair is shaved off, leaving a small tuft at the crown of the head. It serves as a religious marker for initiated men.
Who wears the shikha?
It is primarily worn by Hindu men, especially Brahmins, temple priests, and ascetics. Ancient texts consider it mandatory for twice-born men who have received the sacred thread.
Why is the shikha important?
It signifies spiritual focus, devotion, and cleanliness. It is believed to be the point where the spirit enters and leaves the body, making its retention essential for religious ceremonies.
How is the shikha created?
It starts with the chudakarana ritual in childhood, where hair is shaved except for a lock at the crown. This lock is then maintained and grown throughout the person's life.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Shikha (hairstyle)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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