Tonsuring and Ear Boring

Tonsuring @ KALYANAKATTA

  • Kalyanakatta is the place where pilgrims get tonsured to fulfill their vows. Over 1316 barbers are working in four batches round the clock at Main and 9 mini Kalyanakattas to perform tonsure. Nearly 400 Tonsurers are working per shift to reduce the waiting time for tonsure to the pilgrims.
  • The Main Kalyanakatta building is equipped with four big tonsure halls with platforms to seat both the pilgrim and the barber. There is a big waiting hall and a well-organized queue system.
  • Additionally, there are 9 mini Kalyanakattas which are running at important places in Tirumala every day to perform tonsures to the pilgrims staying in cottages and guesthouses.
    • Such as Sri Venkateswara Rest House(SVRH),
    • Sri Padmavathi Rest House(SPRH),
    • HVC, GNC, PAC1, PAC2,
    • Nandhakam Rest House,
    • Kousthubham rest House(KTRH) and
    • Sapthagiri Rest House(SGRH).
  • Tonsuring is done free of cost at all Kalyanakattas.
  • Antiseptics are mixed with water and applied to the head before tonsuring to prevent skin-related and other diseases.
  • Bathrooms are equipped with geysers to provide hot water to the pilgrims who have tonsured their heads.
  • Computer-generated tokens are issued to the pilgrims for tonsure.
Kalyanakatta Building

According to Padma Puranam

  • Tonsuring is the concept of giving hair to our beloved Lord Venkateswara.
  • According to Padma puranam, tonsuring is mandatory at all Teertha Kshetras. By tonsure, one can clear all their sins.
  • As this will help in making mankind filled with positivity and also to eliminate all their egos, this process is followed at all Punya Kshetras and Punya Teerthas.
  • Some of the devotees even today observe the tradition of submitting hair of their children before completing one year of age.
  • To make people go to their room or to have head bath, TTD had built or provided the provision for hair tonsure in almost all major guest houses or place.

Story behind

Neela Devi, Gandhrava Princess is the first devotee who gave hair to Lord and there is a reason for doing that by her.

When Lord Srinivasa was hit by shepard on his head, small portion of this scalp becomes bald and there is no hair growth at the effected place and Neela Devi is the one who gave the hair to fill the effected place of Lord Venkateswara.

As hair is the considered as the beautiful aspect of Women, Lord notices her sacrifice and he said all the hair given at Tirumala belongs to Neela Devi

Inside Kalyanakatta Building
Inside Kalyanakatta Building

An Appeal to devotees

  • Kalyanakatta is a sacred place. One should not enter inside wearing footwear.
  • Devotees shouldn't give any amount to the one who is doing tonsure after tonsuring.
  • Necessary action will be initiated against the concerned person.
  • One should not spit and pass urinals on the premises of Kalyanakatta.
  • Separate bathrooms and Lavatories for male and female devotees were provided by T.T. Devasthanams. Hence the devotees are requested to utilize them.
  • If any barber demands money, complain the same by mentioning the number of that barber to the A.E.O / Supervisor on duty either in person or put a written complaint in the complaint box.