Thekaupinam,kovanam,kaupina,langot, orlungooty is aloincloth worn by men in theIndian subcontinent asunderclothing. It is still commonly worn in South Asia bypehlwans (wrestlers) while exercising orsparring in adangal. It is basically a rectangular strip of cloth used to cover the genitals, with strings connected to the four ends of the cloth, for binding it around the waist and between the legs.
The short type oflungooty worn bynaga sadhus orbabas often leaves the buttocks bare, it is also known as ''coopees''.[1]
It is still used extensively byKalaripayattu (martial artists), bodyguards (ang-rakshaks) and wrestlers (pehelwans) in ruralIndia, especially in games ofMalla-yuddha and the medieval variationPehlwani (a form of sparring fromWest Asia andSouth Asia). It is also worn duringfitness training &sports coaching (kasrat); by men performing any form of physically straining activity and weight lifting such asfarming.
Langot is a male sports gear and undergarment, associated with almost every form of physically straining sports likekushti andkabaddi of Indian traditions. It has been worn by henchmen and sportsmen during practices and sessions, in a similar way to the contemporary use ofgym shorts andjock briefs since ancient times. Wrestlers and bodyguards also wear anabdominal guard underneath, to protect and support their genitals.
The kaupinam is a very ancient form of sportswear and was in use since the earlyVedic Period (2000–1500 BC), as is evident from a verse in theSam Veda of Hindu scriptures.[2] The devotees of the Hindu godShiva were said to be wearing kaupinam.
Kaupina vantah kalu bagya vantah
Vedanta Vakyeshu sada ramayantah
Bikshanna matrena tustimantah
vishokamantah karane charantah
kaupina vantah kalu bagyavantah
It has religious significance attached toasceticism for theHindus. TheBhagavata Purana enjoins that a true ascetic should not wear anything other than a kaupina.[3] Sometimes the godShiva himself is depicted wearing Kaupina.[4] The deitiesMurugan ofPalani andHanuman are said to be wearing this garment.[5] Langot or kaupin is associated with celibacy.[6]Adi Shankara composed averse calledKaupina Panchakam to assert the significance of asceticism. Famous Maharashtrian santSamarth Ramdas and Tamil rishiRamana Maharshi were always depicted wearing a langot in popular pictures.
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The olderKapinaum form is distinct from the present-dayLangota orLangoti which issewn and covers thebuttocks. It was worn asunderwear indangal held atakharas. It is now mainly used by men when exercising and other intense physical games especiallywrestling, to preventhernias andhydrocele.[7]
The loincloth is about 3" wide and 24" long single piece of cotton cloth. It is first put between the legs and then wrapped around the waist very tightly.
A langot was worn byMowgli, the main hero ofThe Jungle Book franchise including the1942,1967–1971,1967,1994,2003,2016, and2018 films.