Introduction
Apart from Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and Palani Murugan Temple, several temples across India have the tradition of offering human hair (known as tonsuring) as a sacred offering to God. This ancient practice symbolizes humility, surrender, and shedding of ego, and is performed by millions of devotees every year.
It is believed that offering one’s hair helps in seeking divine blessings, fulfilling vows, and expressing gratitude to the deity. The tonsured hair collected from these temples is often auctioned and used for various purposes, including the production of high-quality wigs, hair extensions, and medical applications. This makes temple hair a globally sought-after commodity, with India being the largest supplier of naturally obtained, healthy human hair. Here are some of the most well-known temples where this ritual is practiced:
1. Kanyakumari Devi Temple (Tamil Nadu)
- Devotees, especially women, offer their hair as a form of surrender and devotion to Goddess Kanyakumari.
How to Reach Kanyakumari Devi Temple (Tamil Nadu) Map
The Kanyakumari Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari (a manifestation of Parvati), is located at the southernmost tip of mainland India in Kanyakumari town, Tamil Nadu. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it accessible to pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (about 90 km away in Kerala). From the airport, taxis, buses, and private vehicles are available to reach Kanyakumari. The drive takes around 2–3 hours.
- By Train: Kanyakumari has its own railway station, connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. Daily trains also operate from Trivandrum and Nagercoil. The temple is just about 1.5 km from the Kanyakumari Railway Station and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: Kanyakumari is well-connected through national highways. Regular bus services, both government and private, operate from nearby cities like Nagercoil (20 km), Madurai (245 km), and Trivandrum. Luxury buses and tourist coaches also connect the town with Chennai and Bangalore.
- Local Transport: Within Kanyakumari, one can hire auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or taxis to reach the temple easily. Since the town is compact, many visitors prefer walking from their hotels to the temple and the nearby attractions.
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2. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple (Kerala)
- Devotees, particularly first-time visitors (Kanni Swamis), shave their heads as part of their 41-day vrata (penance) before visiting Lord Ayyappa.
How to Reach Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple (Kerala) Map
The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage centers in India, is located in the dense forests of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Reaching the temple involves a combination of road travel and a sacred trek.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (about 160 km away). Another convenient option is Trivandrum International Airport (about 170 km away). From both airports, devotees can travel by road to Pamba, the base station of Sabarimala.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Chengannur (82 km), Kottayam (110 km), and Thiruvalla (92 km). From these stations, buses, taxis, and jeeps are available to reach Pamba.
- By Road: Pilgrims can reach Pamba, which is well connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses from towns like Pathanamthitta (69 km), Chengannur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. From Pamba, motor vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point, and pilgrims must proceed on foot.
- Trek to the Temple: From Pamba, devotees undertake a 5 km uphill trek through a forested path to reach the sanctum at Sabarimala. Palanquins and facilities for elderly pilgrims are also available.
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3. Madurai Meenakshi Temple (Tamil Nadu)
- Some devotees shave their heads as an offering to Goddess Meenakshi, particularly after fulfilling vows or seeking divine blessings.
How to Reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple (Tamil Nadu) Map
The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the greatest architectural and spiritual landmarks of South India, is located in the heart of Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. It is easily accessible by air, rail, and road.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport (about 12 km from the temple). Regular flights connect Madurai with Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and other major Indian cities, as well as international destinations like Colombo and Dubai. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach the temple in about 30 minutes.
- By Train: Madurai Junction Railway Station (around 1.5 km from the temple) is a major railhead with excellent connectivity to Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other key cities. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available outside the station to reach the temple.
- By Road: Madurai is well connected by NH 44 and NH 38, with frequent government and private buses from Chennai (460 km), Trichy (135 km), Coimbatore (215 km), and Bangalore (435 km). Luxury buses, cabs, and tourist coaches also operate to Madurai.
- Local Transport: The temple is centrally located, and visitors can easily reach it using auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses. Many prefer to stay in nearby hotels within walking distance of the temple.
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4. Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur (Tamil Nadu)
- Similar to Palani Murugan Temple, devotees offer their hair as a sign of surrender to Lord Murugan.
How to Reach Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur (Tamil Nadu) Map
The Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu), is a renowned pilgrimage destination situated along the scenic Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport (about 40 km away), with flights from Chennai and select other cities. For wider connectivity, Madurai Airport (around 190 km away) serves as the next best option. From the airports, taxis and buses are available to reach Tiruchendur.
- By Train: Tiruchendur has its own railway station, which is well connected to Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Chennai. Frequent passenger and express trains make it convenient for devotees to reach directly. The temple is about 1 km from the railway station, accessible by walk or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Tiruchendur is connected by road with major cities in Tamil Nadu. State transport and private buses operate from Madurai (190 km), Tirunelveli (55 km), and Tuticorin (40 km). Well-laid highways make driving a convenient option as well.
- Local Transport: Within Tiruchendur town, the temple is easily reachable by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and cycle-rickshaws. Since the temple is close to the seashore and centrally located, many devotees prefer walking from their lodging to the shrine.
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5. Sri Kurmanatha Temple, Srikurmam (Andhra Pradesh)
- This is a unique Vishnu temple in the form of a tortoise (Kurma Avatar), where tonsuring is considered a significant act of devotion.
How to Reach Sri Kurmanatha Temple, Srikurmam (Andhra Pradesh) Map
The Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple at Srikurmam, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the unique form of a tortoise (Kurma Avatar), is a rare and sacred shrine located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport (about 120 km away). From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Srikurmam. The journey by road takes around 3 hours.
- By Train: The closest major railway station is Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa) Railway Station (about 15 km from the temple). It is well connected to cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Bhubaneswar. Local transport such as taxis, autos, and buses are available from the station to reach the temple.
- By Road: Srikurmam is well connected by road. Regular APSRTC and private buses operate from Srikakulam town (13 km away) and Visakhapatnam. Pilgrims traveling by car can access the temple via NH16 (the Chennai–Kolkata highway) and take the diversion towards Srikurmam.
- Local Transport: Within Srikakulam district, one can easily reach the temple by auto-rickshaws, taxis, or local buses. Since the temple lies in a peaceful rural setting, visitors often enjoy the short road journey through villages.
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6. Simhachalam Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
- Devotees offer hair to Lord Narasimha as a form of devotion and thanksgiving.
How to Reach Simhachalam Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh) Map
The Simhachalam Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the Simhachalam Hill Range, about 16 km from Visakhapatnam city.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport (about 20 km away). It is well connected with major Indian cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach the temple directly.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Visakhapatnam Junction (about 16 km away), a major railhead on the Howrah–Chennai main line. From the station, one can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or use city buses to reach Simhachalam.
- By Road: The temple is easily accessible from Visakhapatnam city by road. Both APSRTC buses and private vehicles ply regularly from various parts of the city. Simhachalam is connected by well-laid roads branching from NH16, making it convenient for devotees traveling by car.
- Local Transport: Pilgrims can reach the temple either by buses, taxis, or autos from Visakhapatnam city. From the foothills, devotees have the option of taking government-run buses, jeeps, or trekking up to the temple on the hilltop.
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7. Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh)
- Tonsuring is common among devotees of Goddess Durga, especially during Dasara (Navratri).
How to Reach Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) Map
The Kanaka Durga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in South India. It is majestically situated on the Indrakeeladri Hill, overlooking the Krishna River, in the heart of Vijayawada city, Andhra Pradesh.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram (about 20 km away). Regular flights operate from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach the temple in about 30–40 minutes.
- By Train: Vijayawada Junction, one of the busiest railway stations in South India, is just 2 km from the temple. It has excellent connectivity with all major cities across India. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available from the station to reach the temple.
- By Road: Vijayawada is a major road hub in Andhra Pradesh, connected through NH16 and NH65. Government (APSRTC) and private buses operate frequently from Hyderabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and other cities. Within Vijayawada, city buses and cabs provide easy access to the temple.
- Local Transport: From the foothills, devotees can reach the temple by climbing the well-laid steps or by taking free buses and private vehicles that shuttle pilgrims up the ghat road to the hilltop. Autos and cycle-rickshaws are also available in the city for short distances.
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8. Mangalagiri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
- Many devotees offer their hair as a sacred practice to Lord Narasimha.
How to Reach Mangalagiri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh) Map
The Mangalagiri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha, is a highly revered shrine located on Mangalagiri Hill in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, near Vijayawada. The temple is famous for its unique tradition of offering jaggery water (Panakam) to the deity.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram (around 38 km away). From the airport, taxis and buses are available, and the drive to Mangalagiri takes about an hour.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Mangalagiri Railway Station (about 2 km away), with passenger trains connecting from Vijayawada and Guntur. For wider connectivity, Vijayawada Junction (13 km away) serves as the major railhead, linking to all major Indian cities.
- By Road: Mangalagiri is well connected by NH16 (the Chennai–Kolkata Highway). It lies 13 km from Vijayawada and 21 km from Guntur, making it easily accessible by APSRTC buses, private buses, and taxis. Pilgrims traveling by car can directly drive up to the foothills.
- Local Transport: From the base, devotees can either climb the well-laid steps (around 350 steps) or reach the temple by road using autos, jeeps, or buses that go up the ghat road to the hilltop. Local rickshaws and cabs are easily available for short distances.
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9. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- While not as common as in South India, some devotees tonsure their heads in Kashi as a sign of renunciation and devotion to Lord Shiva.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) Map
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on the western bank of the holy Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (about 25 km away). It has regular flights connecting to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. From the airport, taxis and app-based cabs are available to reach the temple in around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- By Train: Varanasi has two major railway stations — Varanasi Junction (Cantt) about 5 km away and Manduadih Railway Station about 6 km away. Both are well connected to cities across India. Autos, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are easily available from the stations to the temple.
- By Road: Varanasi is connected by NH19 and NH31 to cities like Allahabad (120 km), Lucknow (320 km), and Patna (220 km). Uttar Pradesh State Transport buses and private buses operate regularly from nearby towns. Within the city, narrow lanes lead to the temple, so autos and cycle-rickshaws are the most convenient mode to reach the entrance.
- Local Transport: Due to the temple’s location in the dense lanes of Varanasi, vehicles cannot go right up to the shrine. Visitors usually walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat or Godowlia Chowk, both of which are about 500 meters from the temple. Cycle-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and autos drop pilgrims close to these points.
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10. Kalighat Kali Temple (West Bengal)
- Devotees, especially those fulfilling vows or seeking divine intervention, offer their hair to Goddess Kali.
How to Reach Kalighat Kali Temple (West Bengal) Map
The Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is among the most sacred shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is located in Kalighat, South Kolkata, West Bengal, and attracts devotees from across India and abroad.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (about 25 km away). From the airport, taxis, app-based cabs, and buses are available. The journey takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
- By Train: Kolkata is served by major railway stations — Howrah Junction (10 km), Sealdah Railway Station (7 km), and Shalimar Railway Station (12 km). From these stations, taxis, metro services, and buses connect to Kalighat easily.
- By Metro: The Kalighat Metro Station on the North–South Metro Line is the most convenient stop. The temple is around 1 km from the metro station, and devotees can either walk or take an auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: The temple is centrally located in South Kolkata and is accessible by Kolkata city buses, taxis, and app-based cabs. Devotees coming from Howrah or Sealdah can easily reach Kalighat via well-connected city roads.
- Local Transport: Within Kolkata, the temple is well served by autos, hand-pulled rickshaws, taxis, and metro connectivity. The lanes leading to the temple are narrow, so visitors usually walk the last stretch from the nearest drop point.
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11. Kollur Mookambika Temple (Karnataka)
- Tonsuring is a common practice at this temple, where devotees offer their hair to Goddess Mookambika for spiritual blessings and success.
How to Reach Kollur Mookambika Temple (Karnataka) Map
The Kollur Mookambika Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, is a revered Shakti Peetha located at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Udupi district, Karnataka. Nestled amidst dense forests, it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in South India.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (about 130 km away). From the airport, taxis, private cabs, and KSRTC buses are available to Kollur. The drive takes around 3–4 hours through scenic Western Ghats routes.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Byndoor (Mookambika Road, about 20 km away) and Kundapura (about 40 km away) on the Konkan Railway line. Both stations are connected to Mangalore, Udupi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From these stations, one can hire taxis, autos, or board buses to Kollur.
- By Road: Kollur is well connected by state highways. KSRTC and private buses operate from major cities like Mangalore (130 km), Udupi (80 km), and Bangalore (430 km). Devotees traveling by car can reach Kollur through the scenic NH66 and state highway routes.
- Local Transport: From nearby towns and railway stations, autos, jeeps, and taxis are available. Within Kollur, most lodges and guest houses are located close to the temple, making it convenient for devotees to walk.
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12. Ghati Subramanya Temple (Karnataka)
- Similar to other Murugan temples, tonsuring is common among devotees seeking blessings from Lord Subramanya.
How to Reach Ghati Subramanya Temple (Karnataka) Map
The Ghati Subramanya Temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya and Lord Narasimha, is an ancient and sacred shrine located in Doddaballapur Taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka, about 60 km from Bengaluru city.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (about 45 km away). From the airport, taxis and cabs are available, and the journey to the temple takes around 1–1.5 hours.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Makali Durga Railway Station (about 12 km away), which is connected by passenger trains from Bengaluru. For better connectivity, devotees can use Yelahanka Junction (40 km) or Bengaluru City Junction (60 km). From these stations, taxis and local buses are available.
- By Road: The temple is well connected by road. Devotees can drive via Bengaluru–Doddaballapur Road and then proceed towards Ghati Subramanya. KSRTC and private buses also operate from Bengaluru to Doddaballapur, from where local transport is available. The road journey from Bengaluru takes about 1.5–2 hours.
- Local Transport: From nearby towns like Doddaballapur and Makali Durga, pilgrims can hire auto-rickshaws, taxis, or jeeps to reach the temple. Many devotees prefer to travel by private vehicles or cabs directly from Bengaluru for convenience.
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13. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore (Karnataka)
- Devotees offer hair as part of their vows to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
How to Reach Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore (Karnataka) Map
The Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (an incarnation of Durga), is a prominent Shakti Peetha located on the Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from Mysore city in Karnataka.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (about 20 km away), which has limited connectivity to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The closest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (about 180 km away). From either airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Mysore, and from there to Chamundi Hills.
- By Train: Mysore Junction Railway Station (about 13 km away) is the nearest railhead, with excellent connections to Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore, and other South Indian cities. From the station, taxis, autos, and buses are available to reach the hill.
- By Road: Mysore is well connected by road to Bangalore (150 km), Mangalore (255 km), and other major towns. KSRTC and private buses operate frequently to Mysore. From Mysore city, devotees can reach the hilltop temple by KSRTC buses, taxis, or private vehicles.
- Local Transport: Pilgrims can access the temple either by road vehicles via the ghat road or by climbing the 1,008 well-laid stone steps from the foothills. Autos and cabs are available within Mysore city, and special buses run regularly to the temple from the Mysore Palace area.
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14. Yadagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Telangana)
- Tonsuring is a common offering here to Lord Narasimha.
How to Reach Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (Telangana) Map
The Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, a highly revered shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, is located on a hillock in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, about 60 km from Hyderabad. The temple is popularly called Yadadri and is an important pilgrimage center in South India.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (about 91 km away). From the airport, devotees can hire taxis or take buses to reach Yadagirigutta in about 2–2.5 hours.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Raigiri Railway Station (about 3 km away), connected by local passenger trains. For better connectivity, Bhongir Railway Station (14 km) and Secunderabad Junction (62 km) are the preferred options. From the stations, autos, taxis, and buses are available to the temple.
- By Road: Yadagirigutta is well connected by NH163 (Hyderabad–Warangal Highway). Regular TSRTC buses and private buses operate from Hyderabad (60 km), Secunderabad, Warangal, and Nalgonda. Devotees traveling by car can drive directly to the temple via the well-laid highway.
- Local Transport: From Yadagirigutta town, pilgrims can reach the temple on the hilltop by autos, taxis, or TSRTC shuttle buses. Many devotees also prefer walking up the well-paved steps as part of their spiritual journey.
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15. Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Temple (Telangana)
- This Shiva temple is known for devotees offering their hair before seeking the Lord’s blessings.
How to Reach Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Temple (Telangana) Map
The Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Raja Rajeshwara, is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Telangana. It is located in Vemulawada town, Rajanna Sircilla district, and is popularly known as “Dakshina Kashi.”
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (about 150 km away). From the airport, pilgrims can hire taxis or take buses to reach Vemulawada in around 3–4 hours.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Karimnagar Railway Station (around 35 km away), which connects to major cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, and Secunderabad. From Karimnagar, buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple.
- By Road: Vemulawada is well connected by TSRTC and private buses from Hyderabad (150 km), Karimnagar (35 km), Warangal (125 km), and Nizamabad (85 km). Pilgrims traveling by car can drive via well-laid highways directly to the temple.
- Local Transport: Within Vemulawada town, the temple is easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis. Since the temple is centrally located, many pilgrims prefer to walk from nearby lodges and rest houses.
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16. Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Temple (Tamil Nadu)
- Devotees, both men and women, tonsure their heads as an act of devotion to Goddess Adhiparasakthi.
How to Reach Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Temple (Tamil Nadu) Map
The Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Temple, dedicated to the Divine Mother Adhiparasakthi, is a prominent spiritual center located in Melmaruvathur town, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. It attracts lakhs of devotees, especially women, from across India.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (about 92 km away). From the airport, taxis and buses are available, and the drive to Melmaruvathur takes around 2.5 hours via NH32.
- By Train: Melmaruvathur Railway Station lies on the Chennai–Villupuram main line and is just 1 km from the temple. Many express and passenger trains halt here, making it one of the most convenient ways to reach the shrine. Devotees can walk or take an auto-rickshaw from the station.
- By Road: The temple is located on NH32 (Chennai–Trichy Highway), about 92 km from Chennai and 31 km from Chengalpattu. Frequent Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and private buses operate from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Trichy. Taxis and cars also provide easy road access.
- Local Transport: Within Melmaruvathur town, the temple can be easily reached by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and cycle-rickshaws. Since the railway station and bus stop are nearby, most pilgrims prefer walking to the temple.
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These temples, along with several other local shrines, follow this ancient practice, making India the world’s largest collector of naturally shed, healthy human hair. This is an invaluable resource that could be leveraged for innovation in hair restoration, sustainable industries, and even medical applications.