Position paper on the use of non-synthetic hair for deities: August 2025
Purpose: To clarify ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry’s position regarding the use of wigs for deities and to establish the reasons for permitting only synthetic hair, not human or animal hair, for the deities in ISKCON temples.
1. Background Within ISKCON, the dressing and ornamentation of the deity is an important part of worship. Wigs are commonly used to give a natural and appropriate appearance to the Lord and His associates. Questions sometimes arise as to whether real human hair or animal hair wigs may be used. This paper outlines the theological, scriptural, and practical considerations that support the exclusive use of synthetic hair for deity wigs.