Tonsure in Hinduism

[cb2008]

Originally Posted by Yaakov Israel

Thank you! Assuming that these Rabbis are right and the hair is literally given to the god in Tirumala Temple, would you think that this is widespread in other temples too or is it just specifically that Temple?

actually many do at home. the barber comes in , they sit the child out side in the yard and he goes to work. there is a ceremony around the whole thing.
Tirupati is a place of pilgrimage. it is not just for tonsure but a special place. the ceremony can be done at other temples too.

[Yaakov Israel]

Originally Posted by cb2008

actually many do at home. the barber comes in , they sit the child out side in the yard and he goes to work. there is a ceremony around the whole thing.
Tirupati is a place of pilgrimage. it is not just for tonsure but a special place. the ceremony can be done at other temples too.

Wow! That very interesting. In your understanding, in the home ceremonies (and in the other temples) is the intent the same? Meaning are they also giving their hair to god?

[cb2008]

Originally Posted by Yaakov Israel

Wow! That very interesting. In your understanding, in the home ceremonies (and in the other temples) is the intent the same? Meaning are they also giving their hair to god?

i would not call it an offering to god, i don’t understand it that way. i think there are many meanings attached to it. at one year it is thankfulness that the child completed a year healthy, a reminder of high infant mortality rates. for adult it is a special requests and they are not done on a regular basis. i see it as the conscious action of giving up something that we associate with our self image, beauty etc. answer your question, yes