Pagh - Swaminarayan Hindu Tradition
The pagh (pronounced ‘paagh’; પાઘ) is a traditional head covering worn by all sadhus of the Swaminarayan denomination of Hinduism.The denomination was founded in the early nineteenth century by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in western India.
A pagh is made from a simple, very fine piece of cotton fabric, measuring around 100 inches by 100 inches, which is tied around a head covered by a small skull-cap. The tying itself is something of an art form, because it employs no stitches, pins or fasteners, yet a pagh can remain firm and intact for years.
The pagh is worn by Swaminarayan sadhus when they go outside of the temple on official religious duty, and also during special rituals and assemblies. The orange or saffron colour of the pagh matches the untailored robes worn by sadhus. Saffron is a colour which is traditionally associated in Hinduism with sacrifice and renunciation. It also symbolises fire. Sadhus are reminded by their saffron attire to burn their worldly desires and remain fervent against enticements which might distract them from their service to God and Society.
the Guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan order of the Swaminarayan tradition.
He is wearing a traditional Hindu pagh and holding a small metallic sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
receiving traditonal Welcome at the Mandir (‘Neasden Temple’, North-west London)
during his visit on 13th June 2013
wearing a winter hat
Visit the Mandir, when you are in the London area:
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Mr. Yatin Mavani of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, London, UK,
for his kind and competent support.