Our Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
Sourced from Sacred Grounds: Our Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and Temples in South India Sourced from Sacred Grounds: Our Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and Temples in South India Biglove Indian Hair is dedicated to providing the highest quality Indian hair to our customers. At the heart of this commitment lies an unwavering focus on ethical sourcing. We believe that true beauty extends beyond the product itself to encompass the origins and the journey it undertakes. This is why we are proud to share our deep commitment to sourcing our hair ethically from the sacred grounds of South India temples, a practice steeped in profound religious and cultural significance . The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati stands as one of India’s most revered religious sites, drawing millions of devotees annually, many of whom participate in a unique ritual: the donation of their hair. Thousands of devotees visit this holy place daily, offering their hair as an act of worship and devotion. The Tirupati temple, often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikuntam” – the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu – holds immense sacredness, further emphasizing the sanctity of the donations made within its premises. The Profound Significance of Hair Donation (Kanika) at Tirupati The practice of hair donation at Tirupati, often referred to as “Kanika,” is not merely a physical act but a deeply symbolic offering rooted in centuries of religious belief and cultural tradition. The origins of this tradition can be traced back to the 12th century, with the inspiring legend of Princess Padmavathi. According to this revered tale, the princess, facing an attack by bandits, prayed to Lord Venkateswara for salvation and vowed to offer her hair as a sacrifice in gratitude. Her prayer was answered, and in fulfillment of her promise, she cut off her hair and offered it to the deity. This selfless act resonated deeply, inspiring countless devotees to follow suit, making hair donation a major ritual performed by millions each year. Devotees offer their hair in Tirupati for a multitude of profound reasons. Primarily, it is an ultimate expression of devotion to Lord Venkateswara . By offering what is often considered a symbol of beauty and pride, devotees make a humble gesture of complete surrender to the deity . Many individuals also make a vow to donate their hair if their wishes are granted, further intertwining the act with personal faith and gratitude . Beyond devotion and wish fulfillment, hair donation is also regarded as a powerful means of purification, a way to cleanse oneself spiritually. It is believed that by parting with their hair, devotees can shed their sins and ego. Another significant belief associated with this practice is linked to a divine narrative involving Lord Venkateswara and a loan from Lord Kuber. Devotees believe that their hair donation contributes to Lord Venkateswara’s repayment of this loan. Furthermore, it is said that those who donate their hair are blessed by Goddess Lakshmi, bestowing monetary abundance upon them. The profound significance is further underscored by the legend of Goddess Neela Devi, who offered her own hair to heal Lord Balaji after he was accidentally injured. Pleased by this selfless act, Lord Vishnu declared that hair is the most important aspect of beauty and promised that all devotees who come to his abode would offer their hair to him, with Neela Devi as the recipient of this offering. This story solidifies the belief that whoever offers their hair will have their wishes fulfilled. The act of “Mundan,” as hair donation is also known, is considered the favorite sacrifice for Lord Venkateswara. Beyond the historical and mythological context, devotees offer their hair as a mark of respect, submission, and pure devotion. It is also a long-standing family tradition for many to offer the hair of their children before they reach the age of three. In essence, hair, once considered the “crowning glory” of a person, becomes a powerful symbol of sacrifice and surrender to the divine. The Journey of Donated Hair: Collection and Management at Tirupati The process of donating hair at Tirupati is a well-organized and accessible ritual for devotees. Numerous hair donation centers are located near the temple, providing a clean and hygienic environment for this sacred act. Before the process begins, devotees’ hair is meticulously washed and combed to remove any tangles or knots. Skilled barbers then carefully cut the hair, which is collected in a cloth and respectfully handed over to the temple authorities . The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the temple, oversees this entire operation. The sheer volume of hair donated annually is staggering, estimated to be between 500 to 600 tonnes . To manage this immense quantity hygienically, the collected hair undergoes a meticulous procedure involving boiling, rinsing, drying, and storage in specialized godowns under controlled temperatures. The TTD then categorizes the hair based on length and quality before offering it for sale to factories that are specially registered to them. The revenue generated from these auctions is a significant source of income for the temple, which is then directed towards various charitable activities. To facilitate the smooth execution of this daily ritual, the temple employs a substantial workforce. Approximately 600 barbers work in rotation, 24 hours a day, to assist the thousands of devotees who choose to tonsure their heads. The primary location for this ceremony is known as Kalyana Katta, a place dedicated to hair offerings, where tonsuring is provided free of cost. Tokens with room numbers are issued to devotees, along with a blade, directing them to designated areas for the “mundan”. Numerous Kalyana Katta centers are available in Tirumala and even in Tirupati town, with varying timings to accommodate the continuous flow of pilgrims. The main Kalyana Katta, opposite the Annadhanam Complex in Tirumala, operates 24 hours. The temple staff diligently collects the bundles of hair in and deposits them in special collection bins, with baskets filled with hair collected every hour and stored in vast warehouses. The hair is