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One of the important rituals followed by the devotees and another income-generating activity is hair tonsuring. Many pilgrims have their heads shaved, which is known as ‘Mokku’, at the temple as an offering to the god. According to a story, a shepherd hit Balaji on his head and a small part of Balaji’s head became bald. A Gandharva princess, Neela Devi, noticed this and thought that an attractive face like his should not have any flaw. So she cut a portion of her hair and implanted it on Balaji’s head with her magical power. He was touched by her sacrifice and promised her that all his devotees will offer their hair at his abode and she will receive the hair. Over a ton of hair is collected daily and the temple organization sells this hair to international buyers a few times a year through public auction. The hair is used in cosmetics and as hair extensions.