Muhapatti

Acharya Mahapragya, wearing a muhapatti

The muhapatti (variously spelled mahapatti, muhpatti or mahpatti) is a square of white cloth worn across the face and tied behind the ears. The purpose is to prevent saliva from coming into contact with sacred books, images or other items. It is often purported to be worn to reduce the chance of inhaling (and thus killing) small insects and other airborne life. Some Jains believe the destruction of even these tiny life forms is a violation of ahimsa, the principle of non-violence. Whilst this may be one benefit of the use of muhapatti, it is not the initial reason for use.