Offering Hair to Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati Balaji: Procedures and Practices
The practice of offering hair to Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati Balaji, also known as Lord Venkateswara, is an age-old tradition deeply rooted in devotion and gratitude. This ritual is one of the many ways devotees express their devotion to the sacred icon of the temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Options for Offering Hair
Devotees can shave their heads or have a tonsure done at the temple premises before visiting. There is a dedicated building next to the temple for head shaving services, which are well-managed. Alternatively, hair can be sent through postal services. However, it is essential to check the latest guidelines provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to ensure the proper handling of the offering. If you are unable to make the pilgrimage in person, you can also get your hair tonsured at the temple and let someone who is visiting the temple drop it in one of the hundis outside the temple near Akilandeswari."
Mukku and Hundi Practices
Hair is traditionally offered as part of mukku, which refers to the tonsure or shaving of the head. Typically, the hair is left with the person visiting the temple to be offered in a hundi. A hundi is a receptacle made of metal or stone where devotees can place their offerings. Placing the hair in one of these hundis is considered an offering to Lord Venkateswara.
In cases where the devotee is not able to visit in person, the hair can be sent through someone who visits the temple. It is crucial to ensure that the offering is placed in a hundi at the temple to fulfill the ritual. The hair collected through these offerings is often auctioned electronically, and the proceeds are used to enhance the facilities and amenities for devotees visiting the temple.
Procedures and Requirements
While the general practice of offering hair is well-established, there are specific procedures and requirements to follow. The TTD may have detailed guidelines on how to send the hair, including necessary documentation or packaging. It is advisable to check their latest instructions to ensure that your offering is received appropriately.
When possible, it is always better to go to the temple in person and personally offer the hair to the deity. This adds a layer of personal connection and devotion that cannot be replicated through other means. If you are unable to visit the temple, sending the hair through someone who is about to visit is a valid alternative.
The belief in the effectiveness of these offerings is strong among devotees. Many families, including those overseas, have hair sent to the temple via trusted individuals. For example, my sisters who live in the USA had their children's hair sent to me, and we personally took it to the temple and offered it in a hundi.
By following these established practices, devotees continue to uphold the traditions and maintain a sense of connection with Lord Venkateswara, ensuring that their offerings are received and acknowledged in the manner intended.