vikas

It's varna by birth. I understand what you mean, but a good portion of this planet would end up in the Brahman category if you attempt to directly use one's role at society today and match it up with the varna's (Yes, this is quite contradictory to the original role varna's were supposed to play and is a paradox in itself) Does it matter?

I was merely mentioning the varna as it was brought up by you...

Well I'm not a monk for one. I'm a Kshatriya to be exact.

Sorry if this site wasn't the right one to place these questions under, looking at the discussions the site seems very spiritual and wordly. Sorry for such a material question. I found the site after googling for 'tirupati headshave questions' and found several answers to a thread, hence the questions.

Hi, I'm a freshmen in a US University (freshmen = first year). I vowed to get my head shaved (actual words used were "to offer my hair") in tirupati if got into a Top Engineering school. I did, but due to extenuating circumstances I'm unable to visit India at all for a while. However I was kind of afraid of head shaves (or even hair cuts) when I was a kid (and even till 16) and am feeling guilty for not being able to fulfill my vow. But I'm comitted to going through, but as I mentioned I can't do it in India. I was wondering if you could help me out by answering some questions. 1. What care should I take BEFORE the headshave? 2. What care should I take AFTER the headshave? 3. Can the headshave be done in a barber shop? Someone told me that it can be done in a barber shop but the first 3 pieces of hair should be offered to god. 4. So is the first 3 actual pieces of hair that get clippered (shaved) or is it all the hair that gets clippered (shaved) with 3 actions? 5. Does the headshave have to be completely clean? In the US, it's quite uncommon to get cleanly shaved, and it's mostly a very clean buzz (a very very very very layer of hair is left on). 6. Should I leave that layer of hair as it is, or get it done by a razor afterwards for a clean shave? Thanks a ton!