As soon as you enter the temple, you will notice many people, especially married women, cover their heads. But have you ever wondered what is the reason behind it? According to tradition, covering the head symbolises respect, gratitude and humility towards the divine.
The same gesture is offered before gurus and elders, making the act widely practised.
Let’s understand in more detail why devotees cover their heads inside a temple, what it symbolises, and what it represents culturally.
Why Hindus Cover Their Head In Temple?
While Hindu scriptures do not explicitly say that devotees should cover their heads when visiting the temple, you can still find some incidents where women covered their heads in our scriptures. It is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana that when Shankchuda approached Goddess Tulsi, she instantly covered her head with a garment to show respect.
In Valmiki Ramayana, several references show women covering their heads or faces during public events, reflecting the value of decorum and respectful presence.
According to tradition, covering the head symbolises respect, gratitude and humility towards the divine (Image: Pexels)
Spiritual Significance Of Covering The Head
Covering the heads inside the temple or during worship holds immense spiritual significance:
- Preserving one's own spiritual energy: The temple's vibrations are said to awaken the energy of the soul(Atma Shakti). This awakened Atma Shakti can get easily discharged through the Brahmarandhra (present on the crown of the head)within seconds if not harnessed usefully. So, by covering it, one retains this spiritual energy and protects it from distractions.
- Enhanced focus: A covered head gently shuts out distractions and helps the mind to focus on prayer.
- Inner Devotion: The physical act of covering heads shows a devotee's inner commitment to spiritual discipline and reverence for the divine.
- Surrendering The Ego: By covering the head, a devotee shows their complete surrender to the divine, leaving behind all the material distractions.
Why Do Women Cover Their Head More Than Men?
You must have noticed that women mostly cover their heads more regularly than men during temple visits. Here are a few reasons why it is so:
- Women go through their menstrual cycle, during which their energy is different and considered sacred. So, to protect this energy, they cover their heads.
- Symbolic modesty and cultural dignity
- Continuation of matriarchal family traditions
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What Does Covering Head In Other Religions Represent?
The practice of covering heads during worship or visiting a temple is not limited to Hinduism. It also holds immense spiritual significance in other religions:
Islam: In Islamic tradition, both men and women cover their heads to show their complete surrender and modesty to Allah.
Sikhism: Covering the head while visiting a Gurudwara is mandatory for both men and women. It shows their respect, humility, and spiritual mindfulness in the presence of their holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Covering the head while visiting a Gurudwara is mandatory for both men and women (Image: Pexels)
Jainism And Buddhism: Monks and devotees in Buddhist and Jain traditions often cover their head or shave it to show their reverence, surrender, renunciation and discipline.
Practical Reason Behind Covering Head In Temple
A covered head keeps loose hair from falling onto the sacred floor, the offerings or the prasad during puja, keeping the place clean. During long puja, havan or sitting in the sun for outdoor rituals, a cloth over the head keeps one cool, calm and protected.
ALSO READ: Why Do Hindus Receive Prasad With Both Hands? Spiritual And Cultural Meaning
These were a few reasons why devotees cover their head during puja or inside the temple.
FAQs
1. Do both men and women cover their heads?
Yes, in many traditions. Women draw the pallu or a dupatta over the head, while men may use a cloth, gamcha, turban or cap during puja, havan and at certain shrines.
2. Is covering the head compulsory in all temples?
No. It is a heartfelt custom rather than a universal rule. Some specific shrines and dhams require it, while at many temples it is followed by choice as a sign of respect.