Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, where he combined a deeply personal act of faith with a major contribution towards sustainable transport for pilgrims.
During his visit, Anant participated in the early morning Suprabhata Seva, sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara and later underwent the traditional tonsure ceremony, offering his hair at the temple. The centuries-old ritual is observed by millions of devotees as a mark of humility, gratitude and complete surrender to the deity. The gesture drew particular attention as Anant had become widely recognised for his long hair in recent years.
Following the darshan, temple priests offered him Veda Ashirvachanam, while Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials honoured him with Srivari Theertha Prasadam and a ceremonial silk shawl. During his pilgrimage, Anant also visited other sacred areas within the temple complex and spent time at the goshala, reflecting his continued interest in religious and charitable activities.
Alongside his spiritual visit, Anant announced a major green mobility initiative for Tirumala. Reliance Industries will donate 25 electric buses worth approximately ₹27.5 crore to the TTD. The company will also bear the salaries and benefits of 50 drivers required to operate the buses and has expressed its willingness to support the development of EV charging infrastructure in the temple town. The initiative is expected to strengthen Tirumala’s ongoing efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport for the lakhs of pilgrims visiting the shrine every year.
Anant Ambani has frequently undertaken pilgrimages to prominent temples across India and has often spoken publicly about his spiritual beliefs.
