Planning to offer your head’s tonsure at the Tonsure Procedure & Timings at Tiruttani Murugan Temple – A Complete Guide Here is a full guide to timings, booking, cost, procedure and tips for a smooth visit.

Brief Summary 

• Temple overview & significance
• Tonsure hall timings and location
• Booking process and cost details
• Step-by-step tonsure procedure
• Important tips: crowds, dress code, what to carry
• FAQs to help devotees

The renowned hill-temple of Lord Murugan at Tiruttani in Tamil Nadu is one of the six sacred abodes. The head-tonsure (offering one’s hair) ritual is a deeply meaningful act of devotion here. In this article we detail the tonsure procedure, timings, booking & cost, along with practical tips for visitors.

1. Temple Overview & Significance

The temple formally known as Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani (Thanigai Malai) sits atop a hill and is recognised as one of the important shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees believe offerings like head-tonsure symbolise surrender and thanksgiving—making this ritual a popular special offering here.

2. Tonsure Hall: Timings & Location

• The dedicated tonsure hall at the temple operates typically from 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily.
• On festival days or special occasions the hall may be temporarily closed or timings altered, so plan accordingly.
• The hall is situated near the path to the hill-top shrine—after ascending the hill you’ll find the tonsure area conveniently placed for devotees.

3. Booking & Cost Details

• According to official department initiative, the tonsure service has been made free of cost for devotees: as per a 2021 news piece, a computerised ticket counter was opened and devotees could avail the hair-offering free of charge.
• Earlier unofficially a minimal fee was noted (such as ₹20) but in practice many barbers asked for ₹100-₹500; that disparity was highlighted in sources.
• Because of the “free scheme”, devotees should ensure they obtain a proper receipt from the temple’s official ticket counter and follow the documented process (including photograph/receipt submission) to avoid unauthorised charges.

4. Step-by-Step Tonsure Procedure

1. Arrive early, ideally before 06:00 AM, to minimise queue.
2. Go to the ticket/registration counter for head-tonsure; you will receive a receipt and your photo may be taken.
3. Proceed to the tonsure hall; remove your footwear and enter the designated area.
4. Local temple-approved barbers will perform the head-shaving/tonsure.
5. After tonsure, devotees often take a bath (facility available) and then proceed for darshan in the main temple.
6. Collect and deposit the hair as per temple norms (in designated disposal or offering area).

7. Complete darshan and any optional offerings (e.g., abhishekam) if desired.

5. Practical Tips for Devotees

• Arrive early: Since the hall closes at 04:00 PM, if you arrive later you may miss the tonsure ritual.
• Avoid peak festival days: Days such as Tuesday, Saturday, special Murugan-related festivals attract heavy crowding and the tonsure hall might close or queue will be very long.
• Clothing & footwear: Wear decent traditional attire; remove shoes when entering temple premises.
• What to carry: ID proof, the receipt given at ticket/registration, a small towel or cloth for after the tonsure, and modest cash for incidental expenses (though official tonsure is free).
• Expect waiting, even if free: Despite the official free scheme, there may be delays or informal payments by barbers—remain firm on the receipt and official process.
• After the ritual: You can proceed for darshan of the deity and then enjoy the scenic hill-top view. Also plan for the descent or transport home.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need to book in advance for the tonsure hall?
A: While many devotees walk in early for tonsure, acquiring the receipt at the counter is essential. For festival days you may want to reach very early.

Q2. Is the head-tonsure really free now?
A: Yes — the temple administration introduced a scheme where the tonsure is officially free. However, some unofficial charges may still occur if you don’t insist on the official procedure.

Q3. What if I reach after 04:00 PM?
A: The tonsure hall’s normal operation ends by about 04:00 PM. If you arrive later you may be unable to perform the tonsure and may only do darshan.

Q4. Can I combine this with other offerings like abhishekam?
A: Yes — the temple also offers abhishekam and other sevas (ticketed) for devotees who wish extra ritual offerings.

Q5. Is there any dress-code specific for tonsure?
A: No strict dress-code just for tonsure; but standard temple etiquette applies: decent attire, removed footwear, modest behaviour.

7. Key Takeaways

• The head-tonsure ritual at Tiruttani Murugan Temple is meaningful and is now officially provided free of charge.
• Reach early (by 06:00 AM) to secure your place, as the hall closes by about 04:00 PM.
• Go through the official ticket/receipt system to avoid unofficial charges.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially on festival days; plan your time accordingly.
• After the ritual, don’t miss darshan of Lord Murugan and the hill-top experience.

Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani

7. References & Helpful Links

• Official temple site: Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani tiruttanimurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in
• “Tiruttani Murugan Temple Tonsure Timings, Booking & Cost” article Gokshetra+1
• News on free tonsure initiative: “Free hair tonsure at Tiruttani Murugan temple” The Times of India
• Detailed temple guide with timings & pooja info YatraDham+1

8. Related Articles

• “Thiruttani Murugan Temple Timings, Darshan & Accommodation Guide” YatraDham
• “Tiruttani Temple Abhishekam Timings & Booking