Source: www.thehindu.com
PALANI, INDIA, October 7, 2009: The Palani Temple administration has started processing the hair offered by pilgrims, even setting up a system to auction it to buyers. The buyers, in turn, send the processed hair to local and overseas markets.
Total revenue earned through direct auction of hair the year ending last June was US$500,000, according to T. Rajamanickam, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
Tonsure and collection of hair are done only by temple authorities and organized by the government. The temple administration air-conditioned a tonsure center near recently for the convenience of pilgrims.