Rajvishnu
In the sacred city of Tirupati, nestled at the foot of the hills, there lived a young man named Seenu. His family had deep roots in the traditions of the Tirumala temple, with both his parents and grandparents serving as barbers in the temple’s grand tonsure hall, where lakhs of devotees arrived each year to shave their heads as an act of devotion. This was more than a job for his family—it was a legacy, a revered service passed down through generations.
Growing up, Seenu was captivated by the atmosphere of the tonsure hall. Every day, he watched as streams of pilgrims entered, many traveling great distances, their faces filled with a blend of anticipation and reverence. One by one, they would sit cross-legged on the floor, offering their hair to the Lord as an expression of humility and surrender. Seenu found these transformations to be powerful and moving, with the bald heads symbolizing a fresh start, purified and blessed.
For Seenu, the tonsure hall was a sacred space. He admired his parents’ work and the quiet pride they took in serving the devotees. As he observed them expertly shaving heads with precision and care, Seenu’s own passion for this art deepened. He saw the process as more than just a ritual—it was a personal, transformative journey for each devotee, and he dreamed of being part of that experience.
As he grew older, Seenu’s heart longed to step into this role himself, continuing the family’s legacy and bringing his own dedication to the temple’s timeless traditions.
From a young age, Seenu would accompany his parents to the tonsure hall, spending hours watching the steady flow of devotees undergoing head shaving. He was particularly captivated by the women and girls who approached the barbers with a mix of nerves and resolve, surrendering their hair in devotion. He dreamed of one day being in their place as the barber, helping them through this profound ritual.
When Seenu grew older, he eagerly joined the temple as a barber and specifically requested to be assigned to counters for women and girls. His first day on the job was filled with excitement, as he was finally stepping into the role he had longed for. But the moment he entered the tonsure hall to start his work, something within him shifted. The atmosphere of devotion surrounding him transformed his eagerness into reverence.
As he carefully shaved each head, Seenu’s heart swelled with a sense of purpose. No longer merely a task, each shave became a sacred act of service, a way to help devotees connect with the divine. His desire turned into dedication, and from that day forward, he performed his work with complete devotion, honoring each person’s journey and treating the tonsure ritual with profound respect.
As a temple barber, Seenu’s days were filled with the soft hum of voices and laughter as a steady line of devotees, many of them women and girls, awaited their turn in the tonsure hall. With practiced skill, he would shave anywhere from 50 to 100 heads each day, finding immense pride in his work. For Seenu, each shave was not merely a duty; it was a chance to connect with each person in a shared moment of surrender, offering them a fresh start and helping them complete their act of devotion.
Yet beneath the satisfaction of his work, Seenu harbored a deeper longing. He dreamed of finding a partner who shared his appreciation for the beauty of baldness—a wife who would embrace this tradition with him and understand his love for the ritual. This desire had grown over time, becoming a quiet but constant ache in his heart. While his work fulfilled him on many levels, the hope of meeting someone who shared his passion lingered, feeding a yearning he kept to himself.
Then, one fateful day, as Seenu was immersed in his work, he noticed a familiar face in the queue—a girl he recognized from his school days. Rakshita stood there, poised and ready for her head shave, a nervous smile playing on her lips. Their eyes met, and an unexpected jolt of recognition sparked between them. Seenu’s heart raced as he prepared to shave her head, feeling an unexplainable connection to her.
Her hair was short, no more than five inches, styled in a boy cut. As he draped the cloth over her shoulders, Seenu decided to break the ice. “So, Rakshita, how have you been? It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”
“I’ve been doing well, Seenu. Just focusing on my family and everything,” she replied, her smile warm and inviting. “What about you? I see you’ve become quite the skilled barber here.”
“Thank you! I love what I do. It’s really fulfilling,” he said, his excitement bubbling over. “But I have to ask—why do you keep your hair so short? It’s almost like a boy cut.”
Rakshita chuckled lightly, glancing down at her hair. “Well, I’ve made up my mind to shave my head twice a year as a promise to Lord Venkateshwara. It feels right to me, and I like having no hair. It’s refreshing!”
Seenu felt his heart race even more. She understood the significance of the ritual, just as he did. “That’s beautiful. When did you last shave your head?”
“Just a few months ago,” she answered, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I enjoy the feeling, the freedom it brings.”
He leaned in, intrigued. “And what are you doing these days? Are you working somewhere?”
“Actually, I’m not working at the moment,” Rakshita said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. “My parents are looking for a suitable groom for me. I’m just at home, spending time with family and enjoying life in Tirupati.”
Seenu’s heart fluttered at her words. She was not only beautiful but also shared his values and devotion. As she sat cross-legged before him, he silently prayed to the Lord, hoping that Rakshita might become his wife, the partner he had been longing for all along.
As Seenu made the first stroke, the sound of the razor scraping against Rakshita’s scalp echoed softly in the quiet room, a soothing rhythm amidst the atmosphere of reverence. The gentle chant of “Govinda, Govinda, Govinda” filled the air as he focused entirely on her, his hands steady and precise. He repeated the stroke, running the razor over the same spot four or five times, ensuring her scalp was perfectly smooth. Each deliberate pass of the blade was a testament to his skill, and with each stroke, he sensed the tension in Rakshita’s body easing, her nervousness replaced by a sense of calm.
After achieving the desired smoothness on the top of her head, Seenu gently turned her head to the left, preparing to shave the right side. As he did so, her short hair fell gracefully onto her lap, a cascade of strands that glimmered in the light. He noticed how the falling hair seemed to symbolize a release, a shedding of the old self, making way for the new.
With care, Seenu bent her head forward slightly to begin shaving the back. He positioned the razor at the center of her scalp, then glided it smoothly toward the back of her neck. The sensation was transformative; her fair skin glowed under the gentle touch of the blade, highlighting the elegance of her features. The razor made each stroke feel purposeful, as if he were sculpting not just her appearance but also her confidence and beauty.
As he shaved from the center to the back, he took a moment to appreciate the artistry of the process. The razor glided effortlessly, leaving behind a pristine surface, each stroke revealing the radiant skin beneath. Rakshita’s head was becoming a canvas of purity, and Seenu felt a profound sense of honor in this act.
He continued, focusing on every detail, making sure that her head was perfectly smooth, free of any remnants of hair. The light caught the contours of her scalp, accentuating her natural beauty. In those moments, Rakshita was not just a girl undergoing a shave; she was transforming into a vision of elegance and strength.
As he completed the shave, Seenu felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. He had not only enhanced Rakshita’s appearance but had also forged a connection that transcended the act itself. With her head glowing and smooth, he knew he had helped her embrace her devotion and her true self.
As Seenu gently lifted Rakshita’s head to address the final remaining patches of hair, he felt a surge of anticipation. He was nearing the end of this intimate ritual, and he wanted to ensure every last strand was removed. He positioned the razor with utmost care, gliding it across the top of her head where a few remnants of hair still clung.
With each stroke, he could see the hair fall away, cascading like soft petals, some strands brushing against her eyes as they floated down. The sight was enchanting; Rakshita, with her delicate features illuminated by the soft light, seemed to embody grace. The razor glided effortlessly on her freshly exposed scalp, each pass revealing the smooth skin beneath and enhancing her natural beauty.
The cool breeze that wafted through the tonsure hall seemed to whisper against her scalp, adding to the sensation of freshness that enveloped her. It was as if the very air around them acknowledged the transformation taking place—a shift from the old to the new, a shedding of the past in favor of a renewed sense of self.
As Seenu made the final strokes, he felt a profound connection with Rakshita. This was more than just a shave; it was an act of devotion, a celebration of her choice to embrace her baldness and the beauty that came with it. Each glide of the razor felt like a blessing, a prayer offered to the Lord, reinforcing the bond they shared in this sacred space.
Once the last traces of hair were gone, Seenu stepped back slightly to admire his work. Rakshita’s head glowed with a radiant freshness, the cool breeze contrasting beautifully with the warmth of their shared moment. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with a mix of gratitude and newfound confidence, and in that instant, Seenu knew that this was just the beginning of something special between them.
With the final strokes on Rakshita’s head complete, Seenu turned his attention to the delicate areas of her face. He gently positioned her head to the side, ensuring she remained comfortable as he began to shave her cheeks, chin, and upper lip. As the razor glided smoothly across her skin, the intimate nature of the moment deepened.
Each stroke was careful and deliberate, and as he ran the blade along her cheek, he could feel the warmth of her skin contrasting with the coolness of the freshly shaven areas. The sound of the razor softly scraping against her skin echoed in the quiet space, a rhythmic reminder of their shared experience.
Throughout this process, their eyes remained locked in a gaze that spoke volumes. Seenu could see a spark of something special in Rakshita’s eyes—a mixture of trust, excitement, and a hint of vulnerability. In return, she saw admiration and affection reflected back at her, a connection that transcended words.
As he moved to her chin, he took a moment to pause, allowing their eyes to communicate their unspoken feelings. There was an undeniable bond forming between them, a shared understanding that this moment was significant. It was more than just a shave; it was a merging of paths, a beginning of a journey together.
Finally, he delicately shaved her upper lip, ensuring every inch of her face was smooth and free of hair. The razor glided effortlessly, and with each stroke, Seenu felt their connection grow stronger. When he finished, he stepped back slightly, his heart racing as they both took in the transformation. Rakshita’s face was radiant, her beauty accentuated by the smoothness, but it was the love in their eyes that truly illuminated the moment.
They held each other’s gaze, and in that exchange, it felt as though time stood still. In the depths of their eyes lay a promise, an acknowledgment that this was the beginning of something beautiful. Seenu knew he had found someone special, and in Rakshita, he saw a partner who embraced the same ideals he held dear.
After completing the shave on Rakshita’s cheeks, chin, and upper lip, Seenu took a moment to admire her smooth, glowing skin. The atmosphere was charged with their unspoken connection, but he knew there was one last step to ensure that she was perfectly smooth.
He poured a gentle stream of water over her head, allowing the cool liquid to cascade down her scalp. The sensation was refreshing, and Rakshita closed her eyes momentarily, savoring the feeling. Seenu took a new blade and, with care, began to run the razor over her head once more.
This time, he approached the task with a sense of thoroughness, gliding the blade in different directions to catch any remaining hairs that may have been missed. He started at the crown and moved toward the sides, the blade whispering against her skin as he worked. Each stroke was deliberate, ensuring that he left no area untouched.
As he moved from side to side and then to the back, the sound of the razor scraping against her scalp filled the air, blending with the gentle murmurs of devotion that surrounded them. He could feel the smoothness beneath the blade, and with each pass, he ensured that her head would be completely free of any hair.
Rakshita watched him intently, her heart racing as she felt the razor gliding across her scalp in all directions. The cool water added a refreshing sensation, heightening her awareness of the moment. Seenu’s focus was unwavering, and the intimacy of the act made her feel cherished and special.
Once he was satisfied that her head was impeccably smooth, he poured more water over her scalp, rinsing away any remaining bristles and ensuring her skin was clean and refreshed. As the water flowed, he ran his hand over her head, feeling the silky smoothness of her scalp, a smile creeping onto his face as he admired his handiwork.
In that moment, the act of shaving had transformed into a celebration of Rakshita’s beauty and strength, and Seenu felt honored to have played a part in her journey of devotion. Their eyes met once again, and in that silent exchange, they both understood that this was a moment they would cherish forever.
With the shave finally complete, Seenu gently touched Rakshita’s head, a wave of satisfaction washing over him at the perfection of his work. Her scalp was flawlessly smooth, the coolness of her skin radiating beauty and grace. Rakshita, feeling the sensation of her newly shaven head, couldn’t help but smile. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface, her heart swelling with happiness at the transformation and the connection they had forged during this experience.
As they stood there, basking in the afterglow of the moment, they exchanged phone numbers, each eager to keep the bond alive. “When will your shift end?” Rakshita asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Seenu grinned, “As you say, I can come whenever you’re ready.” The promise of their meeting lingered in the air, filled with anticipation.
“I’ll finish my darshan and come to meet you,” she replied, her voice soft yet excited. With a final smile, she turned to leave, heading toward the main temple area to complete her prayers and seek the blessings of the Lord.
As Rakshita walked away, Seenu couldn’t help but watch her go, feeling a sense of warmth in his heart. He admired the way she carried herself, her confidence shining brightly as she made her way through the bustling crowd of pilgrims.
After finishing her darshan and absorbing the sacred atmosphere of the temple, Rakshita felt rejuvenated. The experience had deepened her sense of spirituality, and she was eager to share her thoughts with Seenu. She freshened up and, with a skip in her step, made her way back to the tonsure hall.
When she arrived, Seenu was waiting, his heart racing with excitement at the prospect of their meeting. As their eyes locked, a rush of emotions filled the space between them. In that moment, they both knew that this connection was special, and the future held endless possibilities for their blossoming relationship.
As the sun began to set over the sacred hills of Tirumala, casting a golden hue on the bustling temple grounds, Seenu and Rakshita decided to take a stroll. They walked amidst the sea of devotees, the air filled with a mix of devotion and excitement. The energy around them was palpable, and they felt an unspoken bond growing stronger with each step.
They found a quiet spot in front of the temple, settling on the steps that led to the grand entrance. Here, away from the crowd but still surrounded by the warmth of the temple’s spirit, they began to share their thoughts about life, dreams, and their shared love for the Lord.
Seenu looked deeply into Rakshita’s eyes, his heart racing as he took a deep breath. “Rakshita, from the moment I first saw you today, something inside me changed. I feel a connection to you that I can’t explain. I want to spend my life with you, serving the Lord together. Will you be my wife?”
Rakshita’s heart fluttered at his words. She had sensed their chemistry from the first moment they met again and felt the same pull toward him. “Seenu,” she replied with a smile, “I wish to do service in the temple too. I want to marry you and share this life of devotion.”
Overjoyed, they immediately decided to inform their parents about their intentions. Both families were thrilled by the union, recognizing the deep connection their children shared, and preparations for a traditional wedding began promptly.
On the day of their wedding, Rakshita had just a month’s growth of hair, a sign of her commitment to her vows and the Lord. The ceremony was beautiful, held in the presence of family and friends, with prayers offered to Lord Venkateswara, whom they both adored.
After their marriage, Seenu encouraged Rakshita to pursue a job in the temple as a barber, just like him. She embraced the idea, excited about the prospect of sharing her passion with others. Seenu took it upon himself to train her, guiding her through the delicate art of head shaving. Rakshita learned quickly, mastering the technique and gaining confidence under his patient tutelage.
Once she was fully trained, Rakshita began to shave heads on her own, helping the devotees who came seeking the divine experience of tonsure. Her happiness was palpable as she found joy in serving others, just as Seenu had done. Together, they thrived in their roles, working side by side in the temple and supporting each other in their devotion.
Rakshita continued to shave her head once every six months as an offering to the Lord, honoring her commitment to her faith while embracing the beauty of her baldness. Their lives intertwined in service and love, Seenu and Rakshita became a beloved couple in the community, embodying the spirit of devotion and dedication they both cherished. Their love story blossomed, rooted in faith and a shared purpose, as they continued their journey together under the sacred hills of Tirumala.
