Tirupati Balaji Temple: There is a lot of controversy these days regarding adulteration in the prasad of Tirupati Balaji temple. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had recently accused the Tirupati Balaji temple of adulteration during the NDA Legislature Party meeting. He had also talked about taking action against the previous government in the matter. The lab report also confirmed adulteration. Let us tell you that Tirupati Balaji temple is known as a rich and prestigious religious place all over the world. Every year lakhs of devotees reach here and also offer offerings.

What are the beliefs behind donating hair?

Devotees visiting Tirupati Balaji temple also donate their hair. It is said that human hair is very dear to him. In such a situation, if a person donates his hair to Tirupati Balaji, then Shri Venkateshwara makes him equally rich. There is also a belief that if a person goes to Tirupati Balaji temple and donates his hair, then all kinds of evils and negativity go away from his life. Apart from this, by donating hair, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi also remain on that person.

What is done with donated hair

If the data is to be believed, the hair donated to Tirupati Balaji temple is auctioned for crores. After donation, the hair is placed in different categories and their prices are also fixed accordingly. Every year devotees donate several tons of hair to Tirupati Balaji, the auction of which earns crores of rupees for the temple trust. In the year 2018 itself, about 1,87,000 kg of hair of different categories were sold, earning a total of Rs 1.35 crore.

How are the prices of hair decided?

Before the auction, hair is kept in five categories. Hair is kept in different categories according to its length. In the year 2018, the highest quality hair was sold at the rate of Rs 22,494 per kilogram. The lower quality i.e. number 2 category hair was sold at the rate of Rs 17,223 per kilogram. Third category hair was sold at the rate of Rs 2833 per kilogram. Number four category hair was sold at the rate of Rs 1195 per kilogram while fifth category hair was sold at the rate of Rs 24 per kilogram. Apart from this, white hair was also sold at the rate of Rs 5462 per kilogram.

Process of cleaning hair before auction

Every year, devotees from all over the world donate about 500 to 600 tons of hair to the Tirupati Balaji temple. This hair is auctioned. Before the auction, the hair is cleaned thoroughly. For this, the hair is first boiled, then washed and dried. When the hair dries, it is sent to large warehouses for storage. The hair is auctioned on the basis of length. Generally, hair from 5 inches to 31 inches is included in it. The amount received from the auction of hair goes to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust (TTD).