Ever wondered why Buddhist monks are with shaved heads? It is believed for enlightenment and proper understanding; one must keep the body and mind clean. If you unfold the chapters of history, you will find Siddhartha Gautam Buddha also cut his hair in search of enlightenment after leaving his palace. But then why Buddha is depicted with curls on his head? What’s the story behind this?

Hair is called “weeds of ignorance” and metaphorically considered as an illusion of a human being. A shaved head represents away from this illusion and that’s the reason why you see monks without hair. Buddha statues are often portrayed with curls on the head, and this may compel you to wonder why they are portrayed this way?

In ancient Buddha sculptures, you will find around 108 curls on the Buddha’s head. History is more astonishing that its beauty. There are stories, numerous beliefs, and one such story mentions the curls depicted on the Buddha’s head are not hair. They are 108 snails, dried in the scorching Sun to protect Buddha.

The Story of Buddha

It is believed one day Gautam Buddha was walking around. Numerous thoughts were there in his mind, so he sat under a tree and started meditating. He kept on meditating overlooking the time, without a notice of weather. As the time passed, the rays of Sun started falling on his bald head.

A snail, at that moment of time was moving on the ground and noticed Gautam Buddha meditating in the scorching Sun. Although Buddha was meditating under the shade of tree, still the heat was unbearable. As the rays were directed straight towards the bald head of Buddha, snail thought this would make it hard for Buddha to concentrate. To avoid this, snail made its way to the head of Buddha to provide some relief with his mucous body. Seeing this, other snails too followed the same to cool the bald head of Buddha. The snails formed a cap of spiral shells, and this is what is depicted in the sculptures of Buddha.

It is because of the damp and cool bodies of snails, that Buddha was able to meditate without any distraction for hours. Due to the intense heat, snail became very dry. When Buddha, later in the evening, stood from the meditation, he realised the sacrifice of snails. He was wearing a cap of 108 snails who gave their lives to let Buddha meditate and get enlightenment. It is the great sacrifice of snails that they are displayed on the head of Buddha to honor them for their great deed.

The Snail story is a Myth

Although the story of Snail’s sacrifice is fascinating but due to lack of historic evidence, is believed to be a beautiful myth. Not to hurt sentiments, it’s essential that facts should be presented to ensure there’s no misunderstandings. There are no sufficient historical evidences to support this story.

In Buddhism, shaved head is still considered a symbol of detachment and renunciation. It shows the commitment to a simple life, away from desires. The Buddhist monks follow this practice to achieve enlightenment and get inner clarity.

Thus, 108 snails story on the head of Buddha is a beautiful myth and not a factual representation of the beliefs of Buddha. The curls are believed to be an artistic representation and that’s why you see them in Buddha statues.