✂️ Hair Donation (Kalyana Katta) Guide

Complete guide to tonsuring at Tirumala - The Sacred Offering

🆓 100% FREE Service

🙏 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.

⏰ Kalyana Katta Timings

24 Hours

Tonsuring available round the clock at Main Kalyana Katta. Mini Kalyanakattas: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

📋 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.

🏛️ 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

🏨 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

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Best Time to Visit

Early morning (5-7 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) have shorter queues. Avoid weekends and festival days.

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Wear Wet Clothes

Wear clothes you can get wet. You'll need to take bath immediately after tonsure. Carry change of clothes.

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No Tips Required

Do NOT give money to barbers. TTD strictly prohibits this. If asked, report to officials. Service is 100% free.

👶 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

⚠️ 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

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is tonsuring mandatory for temple darshan?

No, tonsuring is NOT mandatory. It's a voluntary offering. Many devotees visit Tirumala without tonsuring. It's based on personal vow (mokkubadi) or tradition.

❓ Can I do tonsure before or after darshan?

Traditionally, tonsure is done BEFORE darshan, followed by a bath, then temple visit. However, there's no strict rule - you can do it after darshan too.

❓ Are there female barbers for women?

Yes! TTD has employed female barbers at Main Kalyana Katta (Kalyana Katta I & II) for women who prefer. Available during regular hours.

❓ Can I send hair from home if I can't visit?

Yes! You can give your shaved hair to someone visiting Tirumala. They can drop it in the Hundi or at Kalyana Katta. It's accepted as a valid offering.

❓ Do I need to shave beard and moustache too?

No, it's completely your choice. Many devotees keep their moustache. Barbers will only shave what you request.

❓ What happens to the donated hair?

TTD collects, cleans, and auctions the hair through monthly auctions. The proceeds (hundreds of crores annually) fund temple activities and charitable works.

✂️ Service: 100% FREE | ⏰ Timings: 24 Hours (Main) | 👥 Wait Time: 30-60 mins

📖 Read Darshan Guide