Vadapalani Murugan Temple Tonsure Mottai Procedure Timings
The tonsure (mottai / mudi kanikkai) at the Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple in Chennai is done inside the temple’s own hair-offering (Kalyana Katta) area, and it follows the temple’s daily open hours — broadly early morning to mid-day, then late afternoon to night, with the temple closed during the mid-day break. You take a token at the counter, a temple barber shaves the head, and bathing facilities are available on the spot. The temple is run by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, so darshan itself is free and only sevas/poojas carry official fees.
Vadapalani Murugan Temple Tonsure (Mottai) — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple | Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar (Balasubramania Swamy / Murugan) Temple, Vadapalani, Chennai – 600026 |
| Managed by | HR&CE Department, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Where tonsure is done | Temple hair-offering area (Kalyana Katta), inside the complex |
| Temple open hours | Approx. 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily (closed during the mid-day break) |
| Tonsure availability | During temple open hours; not offered during the mid-day closure (approx. 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM) |
| Token/fee | Nominal token collected at the counter (confirm the current amount on-site; not published on the official portal) |
| After tonsure | Bathing facilities available near the offering area |
| Darshan entry | Free for all devotees |
Why Devotees Offer Hair at Vadapalani
Vadapalani Andavar is one of the most visited Murugan shrines in Chennai and is often called the “North Palani” because the presiding deity is worshipped in the form of Palani Andavar. Offering one’s hair (tonsure) is a very old form of devotion at Murugan temples — it is a gesture of surrender, humility and thanksgiving, symbolising the shedding of ego and vanity. Many families come specifically for a child’s first tonsure (mundan), a traditional life-cycle rite, while adults offer hair to fulfil a vow (harakai) made to the Lord. Alongside tonsure, devotees at Vadapalani are also seen offering sarees, performing kavadi such as Paalkavadi and Pushpakavadi, and presenting silver and gold to the deity.
Where the Tonsure Is Done
The tonsure is carried out inside the temple’s designated hair-offering area, staffed by temple barbers, so devotees do not need to arrange it privately outside. At the time of writing the temple’s hair-offering block was being upgraded, and a temporary hair-offering point was operating behind the temple office with bathroom/bathing facilities for devotees. Because such arrangements can move during renovation, it is best to ask temple staff at the entrance for the current location on the day of your visit.
Timings for the Tonsure
The hair offering follows the temple’s own open hours rather than a separate schedule. In practice that means the offering area operates in the morning session and again in the evening session, and is not available during the mid-day break when the sanctum is closed (roughly 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM). Coming early in the morning is generally the most comfortable time, especially on weekends and festival days when crowds are heavy. On Fridays and major festival days the temple stays open for longer and footfall is very high.
Cost / Token
- Darshan at Vadapalani is free; the tonsure involves only a small token collected at the temple counter.
- The exact token amount is not published on the official HR&CE portal and can change, so treat any figure you see on third-party sites as unofficial and confirm the current rate at the counter on the day.
- You take the token first, then proceed to the barbers in the hair-offering area; bathing facilities are available afterwards.
Step-by-Step: How the Tonsure Works
- Arrive within temple open hours — ideally in the morning session to avoid the mid-day closure and queues.
- Ask staff for the hair-offering counter — its location may vary during ongoing construction.
- Collect the token at the counter and pay the nominal amount indicated there.
- Proceed to the barbers in the offering area; multiple barbers are usually on duty.
- Bathe afterwards using the on-site facilities, then continue for darshan of Lord Murugan.
Daily Pooja Timings (for planning your visit)
| Pooja | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Palliyarai | 5:30 – 6:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi | 6:30 – 6:45 AM |
| Uchikkala | 12:00 – 12:30 PM |
| Sayaraksha | 5:00 – 6:45 PM |
| Ardhajama | 9:00 PM |
Pooja timings can shift slightly on festival days; the temple is open through the day on Fridays and during major festivals.
How to Reach Vadapalani Andavar Temple
- Address: Palani Andavar Koil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600026 (between Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar).
- Metro: Vadapalani metro station on the Chennai Metro Green Line is a short walk away.
- Bus/road: Well connected by MTC buses along Arcot Road; autos and taxis are readily available.
- Rail/air: Roughly 11 km from the central railway station and about 12 km from Chennai airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the tonsure done at Vadapalani Murugan Temple?
Inside the temple’s own hair-offering (Kalyana Katta) area, staffed by temple barbers, with bathing facilities nearby. During the recent renovation a temporary point operated behind the temple office, so ask staff for the current spot.
What are the tonsure timings?
The hair offering follows the temple’s open hours — morning and evening sessions — and is not available during the mid-day closure (roughly 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM). Mornings are usually least crowded.
How much does the tonsure cost?
Only a small token is collected at the counter. The exact amount is not published officially and can change, so please confirm the current rate at the temple counter on the day of your visit.
Is darshan free at Vadapalani?
Yes. As an HR&CE-managed temple, general darshan is free; only specific sevas and poojas carry official fees.
Can I do a child’s first tonsure (mundan) here?
Yes, many families come for a child’s first tonsure as well as adult vow-fulfilment. The same temple hair-offering area is used.
Do I need to book the tonsure online in advance?
No separate online booking is needed for tonsure — you take the token at the temple counter on arrival. Any special poojas you may want can be checked on the official HR&CE portal.
Sources & last verified (July 2026)
- HR&CE Tamil Nadu — Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple listing: https://hrce.tn.gov.in/
- Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Wikipedia (deity, tonsure/offerings, HR&CE management, history): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadapalani_Andavar_Temple
- Oneindia Temples — Vadapalani Aandavar Temple (pooja timings, temporary hair-offering arrangement): https://www.oneindia.com/temples/vadapalani-aandavar-temple-vadapalani-i228/
- Chennai Tourism — Vadapalani Murugan Temple (timings, free entry, how to reach): https://chennaitourism.travel/vadapalani-murugan-temple-chennai
This site is an independent pilgrim information guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the HR&CE Department, the Vadapalani Andavar Temple, or TTD. Please confirm current timings and token amounts on the official temple/HR&CE portal or at the temple.
See also: Tuljapur VIP Darshan Online Booking Pass Cost Timings Process
See also: Siruvapuri Murugan Temple Kalyanam Tickets Online Booking
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
