November 15, 06:41Aaj Tak

The Tradition of Offering Hair at Tirupati Balaji Temple: A Mythological Explanation

The Tirupati Balaji Temple, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous and wealthy temples in the country. Thousands of pilgrims visit it daily, wishing to see the deity Venkateswara. Pilgrims arrive not only from India but also from foreign countries. The temple is famous for its unique tradition, according to which devotees offer their hair to the deity.

Men, women, and children participate in this tradition. There is a religious belief that offering hair to the deity brings the grace of Mother Lakshmi and fulfills the wishes of the faithful. The origin of this practice at the Tirupati Balaji Temple is described next.

Women also offer hair to the deity

The Tirupati Balaji Temple is dedicated to the deity Venkateswara. Hair is offered not only by men but also by women and children. Some pilgrims offer hair after their heartfelt wish has been granted, while others do so out of pure reverence and devotion. According to religious beliefs, offering hair at Tirupati Balaji helps a person rid themselves of sins and vices, as well as maintains the deity's favor. It should be noted that the temple provides special facilities for haircuts; barbers work there to cut the hair of pilgrims.

Mythological story of offering hair in Tirupati

According to legend, one day a mound of earth created by ants accumulated on the head of the statue of Venkateswara. At that time, a cow came there daily and left its milk. When the cow's owner found out about this, he became angry and attacked the animal with an axe. As a result of this incident, the God Balaji sustained an injury on his head, and some of his hair fell out.

It is said that upon seeing this, Nila Devi cut her hair and attached it to the deity's head, which allowed the wound to heal. Delighted by this act of self-sacrifice, the God blessed her. He declared that any wish of a devotee would be fulfilled if they sacrificed their hair. Since then, the tradition of offering hair in Tirupati has arisen.

How to get to the Tirupati Balaji Temple?

If you plan to visit the deity Venkateswara, there are three ways to reach the temple: by air, by train, and by road. The Tirupati airport is located in Renigunta, approximately 15 kilometers from the city. Flights operate here from major cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

The Tirupati railway station is connected to many major cities in the country, and it is easy to reach by train from Chennai or Bangalore. Regarding road transport, bus and taxi services are available from Chennai, Bangalore, and many neighboring settlements. Arrival by private vehicle is also possible.

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List of necessary materials for Chhath Puja: preparation for the evening offering

Chhath Mahaparv holds special significance in Hinduism as it is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. This festival lasts for four days, with its beginning marked on November 13, 2026. Today, November 15, marks the third day of the festival, during which devotees perform the evening offering (Sandhya Arghya) to the setting sun. This time is used to pray to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God for the well-being of the family and the longevity of children.

During the worship, various fruits, flowers, and prasad are offered. Those observing the Chhath fast are advised to prepare all necessary items in advance so as not to forget anything. Below is a complete list of items for the worship.

List of materials for Sandhya Arghya

The required inventory includes a bamboo or brass soop, large bamboo baskets and daura, as well as a puja plate, a glass, a bowl, and a spoon. A copper pot or vessel, milk, and clean water are also needed. For lighting, lamps, ghee, or oil are required, and among the offerings are thekua, hada, and other sweets.

The list also includes a new sari, banana stalks and leaves, sweet potato, and radish, as well as pineapple, banana, and a large lemon. Additionally, betel nut and supari, ginger, and raw turmeric, a coconut with water, as well as other seasonal fruits and prasad for worship, are necessary.

Note these points when offering to the Sun

When preparing all the materials for the soop and baskets, they should be carefully arranged. The soop should include thekua, fruits, vegetables, coconut, and other prasad. Before making the offering to the Sun, a lamp is lit in the soop. Then, standing in the water, devotees offer water and milk to the setting sun, praying to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for the happiness of the family.

Mantras to recite during Sandhya Arghya

During this time, the mantra should be recited: 'Om Ehi Suryadev Sahasransho Tejorashe Jagatpate. Anukmpyamam Bhaktya Grihanarghyam Divakara.' Other mantras for the Sun are also available: 'Om Suryaya Namah,' 'Om Adityaya Namah,' and 'Om Namo Bhaskarayai Namah,' concluding with the phrase 'Arghyam Samarpayami.'

noticiasaominuto.comNovember 14, 23:56

Pope Leo XIV condemns slavery and discrimination against Afro-descendants in Peru

Pope Leo XIV issued a statement today condemning the discrimination against Afro-descendants in Peru, and also recalled the great suffering of slaves during his speech at the shrine of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo in Zane, where he held the day's final event.

The Patriarch arrived from Chiclayo to Zane to conclude the anniversary year established for the 300th anniversary of the canonization of the Spanish saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, who was born in the Spanish town of Maiorca (Valladolid) in 1538 and arrived in Peru in 1581, becoming the Archbishop of Lima, where he became famous for defending indigenous peoples.

Leo XIV reached Zane after celebrating mass in Santa Cruz de Succabamba, in the Andes, during the day. During the journey, he was accompanied by a group of eight members of the Chiclayanos Amazon tribe, traveling on traditional Shaga horses.

Approximately 300,000 people took to the streets to see Leo XIV's procession. The Pope recalled that 'the memory of generations of African men and women who were torn from their homes and subjected to slavery is preserved' and that 'many endured great suffering and humiliation.'

The Pope was warmly welcomed on Thursday upon his return to Peru, a country that was part of his first trip to South America, which also included Uruguay and Argentina. On Friday, hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Chiclayo to welcome Leo XIV, the city where he served as bishop for eight years and which became his 'adopted home.'