Anant Ambani Visits Tirumala, Announces ₹27.5 Crore EV Bus Donation

In a visit that combined deep spiritual devotion with a significant philanthropic gesture, Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala on Sunday, where he participated in sacred rituals, underwent the traditional tonsure ceremony, and announced a major contribution to improve eco friendly transport facilities for pilgrims.

Anant began his pilgrimage by taking part in the Suprabhata Seva , one of the temple's most revered early morning rituals, before offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara . As part of the visit, he also donated his hair, following the centuries old tradition observed by millions of devotees at Tirumala. The ritual is regarded as an expression of humility, surrender, and gratitude, symbolising the renunciation of ego and worldly attachment.

The gesture drew widespread attention, as Anant's long hair had become one of his most recognisable personal features in recent years. At Tirumala, however, the act reflected a long standing religious practice that countless pilgrims undertake as a mark of faith.

Following the darshan, Vedic scholars blessed him with Veda Ashirvachanam at the Ranganayakula Mandapam within the temple complex. Temple authorities later presented him with Srivari Theertha Prasadam and honoured him with a ceremonial silk shawl in recognition of his visit.

Beyond the religious observances, Anant also announced that Reliance Industries will donate 25 electric buses worth approximately ₹27.5 crore to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) . The company will additionally bear the salaries and benefits of 50 drivers required to operate the buses and has also expressed its willingness to support the development of EV charging infrastructure in Tirumala.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the temple town's efforts towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation for the millions of pilgrims who visit every year.

Anant Ambani has frequently undertaken pilgrimages to major Hindu shrines across the country. Ahead of his wedding in 2024, he completed a padayatra to the Dwarkadhish Temple as an expression of devotion. He has also consistently spoken about his faith and has been actively involved in religious and charitable initiatives alongside his work in wildlife conservation through Vantara .

His latest visit to Tirumala once again reflected the blend of personal faith and public service that has increasingly become a hallmark of his spiritual journeys.