Chudakarana, or Chudakarma, is one of the sacraments in Hinduism. It is said that any ritual performed by one not having the top-hair (Chuda also called Shikha or sacred knot of hair) would not be fruitful. This sacrament, also called Chaula or Caula (tonsure), consists of shaving off the hair on the head, leaving a tuft (or tufts, according to diverse customs) at the top. The medical significance of having such a tuft of hair has been stated by Sushruta, renowned Indian surgeon of the 4 th century BCE. He says “Inside the head, near the top, is the joint of sira (an artery) and sandhi (pivotal juncture). The eddy of hair at the spot is called adhipati (overlord). Any injury to this spot is fatal. (Sharira sthana, 6.83). The practice of Chudakarana goes back to the Vedic times, as could be seen from the mantras used, which refer to the razor, (Yajurveda 3.63), the barber (Atharvaveda 6.68.2), water to moisten the head before shaving (Atharvaveda 6.68.1) and prayer for long life to