โ๏ธ Hair Donation (Kalyana Katta) Guide
Complete guide to tonsuring at Tirumala - The Sacred Offering
๐ 100% FREE Service๐ The Legend of Neela Devi
According to Padma Purana, when Lord Venkateswara was hit on his head by a shepherd, a portion of his scalp became bald. Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess, noticed this and immediately cut a portion of her hair to implant on Lord's scalp. Touched by her sacrifice, Lord Venkateswara promised that all devotees who offer their hair would be blessed, and Neela Devi would be the recipient. The hill "Neeladri" (one of seven hills) is named after her. This is why hair offering at Tirumala is considered the highest form of devotion.
โฐ Kalyana Katta Timings
Tonsuring available round the clock at Main Kalyana Katta. Mini Kalyanakattas: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
๐ Step-by-Step Procedure
Visit Kalyana Katta
Go to Main Kalyana Katta (opposite Free Meals building) or any mini Kalyana Katta near your accommodation. Remove footwear before entering.
Collect Token
Get a computer-generated token with room number. Free blade is provided by TTD. No booking required - first come, first served.
Wait in Queue Hall
Wait in the organized queue hall. Average wait time: 30-60 minutes at main location, 10-15 minutes at mini locations.
Tonsuring
Professional TTD-employed barbers perform the tonsure. Antiseptic water is applied before shaving. Female barbers available for women. Service is completely FREE.
Take Bath
Attached bathrooms with hot water (geysers) available. Clean yourself thoroughly after tonsure. Keep valuables safe.
Proceed for Darshan
Wear clean traditional clothes and proceed for Lord Venkateswara's darshan. It's traditional to complete tonsure before darshan.
๐๏ธ Main Kalyana Katta
- Located opposite Free Meals building (Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam)
- Multi-storeyed building with 4 big tonsure halls
- Open 24 hours
- Female barbers available
- Can accommodate hundreds at a time
๐จ Mini Kalyanakattas (9 Locations)
- SVRH (Sri Venkateswara Rest House)
- SPRH (Sri Padmavathi Rest House)
- PAC-I and PAC-II
- HVC (High Value Cottages)
- GNC, Nandhakam, KTRH, SGRH
- Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (5-7 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) have shorter queues. Avoid weekends and festival days.
Wear Wet Clothes
Wear clothes you can get wet. You'll need to take bath immediately after tonsure. Carry change of clothes.
No Tips Required
Do NOT give money to barbers. TTD strictly prohibits this. If asked, report to officials. Service is 100% free.
๐ถ Baby Mundan (First Tonsure)
Many families perform their child's first mundan at Tirumala as part of tradition. Here are tips:
- Best age: Before 3 years (traditionally odd months: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th month)
- Time: Morning hours recommended when baby is calm
- Ear piercing: Available near Janata Canteen for infants
- Female barbers: Available on request for children
- Items to carry: Extra diapers, wet wipes, change of clothes, feeding bottle
- Avoid: Ekadashi days and solar/lunar eclipse periods
โ ๏ธ Important Rules
- Remove footwear before entering Kalyana Katta
- Do NOT pay barbers - strict action will be taken against those who demand payment
- No restrictions on Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra - tonsure can be done any day
- Moustache shaving is optional - you can keep it if you wish
- Women can opt for symbolic cutting (3 snips with scissors) instead of full shave
- Keep belongings safe - don't leave valuables unattended during bath
โ Frequently Asked Questions
โ๏ธ Service: 100% FREE | โฐ Timings: 24 Hours (Main) | ๐ฅ Wait Time: 30-60 mins
๐ Read Darshan Guideโ Tirumala Hair Donation (Kalyanakatta) โ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Kalyana Katta timings in Tirumala?
The Main Kalyana Katta operates 24 hours, so tonsuring is available round the clock. The 9 mini Kalyanakattas located at various rest houses are open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Early morning and late evening usually have the shortest queues.
Is hair donation free in Tirumala?
Yes, tonsuring at Tirumala Kalyana Katta is a completely free service provided by TTD. A free blade is supplied and professional TTD-employed barbers perform the tonsure at no cost. You should never pay the barbers, as TTD strictly prohibits this and acts against anyone who demands payment.
What is the hair donation procedure in Tirumala?
Visit any Kalyana Katta and remove your footwear before entering, then collect a computer-generated token with a room number on a first come, first served basis. Wait in the queue hall for your turn, after which a barber applies antiseptic water and performs the tonsure. You then take a bath in the attached bathroom with hot water, wear clean clothes, and proceed for darshan.
Where is the Kalyana Katta located in Tirumala?
The Main Kalyana Katta is a multi-storeyed building with 4 large tonsure halls, located opposite the Free Meals building (Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam). There are also 9 mini Kalyanakattas near accommodation such as SVRH, SPRH, PAC-I, PAC-II, HVC, GNC, Nandhakam, KTRH and SGRH.
Can ladies donate hair in Tirumala?
Yes, women can donate hair, and TTD has employed female barbers at the Main Kalyana Katta for those who prefer. Women may also opt for a symbolic cutting of just 3 snips with scissors instead of a full shave. Female barbers are also available on request for children.
How do I get a baby mundan done in Tirupati?
Many families perform a child first mundan at Tirumala, traditionally before 3 years of age in odd months such as the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th or 11th month. Morning hours are recommended when the baby is calm, and female barbers are available on request. Carry extra diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes and a feeding bottle, and avoid Ekadashi days and eclipse periods.
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