THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
MUMBAI,
APRIL 7, 2026
Anant Ambani,
Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, has announced a total
commitment of ₹18 crore
towards temple donations, heritage restoration, and elephant
welfare initiatives during his recent visit to two of Kerala’s most revered
shrines — Rajarajeshwaram Temple and Guruvayur Temple.
As part of the
initiative, Anant Ambani donated ₹6 crore — ₹3 crore each to the Rajarajeshwaram Temple and
Guruvayur
Temple — and announced an additional ₹12 crore commitment for the comprehensive renovation of
the historic Rajarajeshwaram Temple. The restoration plan includes the revival
of the temple’s centuries-old East Gopuram, a structure of significant architectural
and archaeological importance that has remained in disrepair for over two
centuries. The funds will also support improvements in pilgrim amenities,
including parking and related infrastructure.
During his visit to
the Rajarajeshwaram Temple in Taliparamba on April 2, Anant Ambani offered
traditional ritual items such as Ponnumkudam, Pattam, Thaali and Neyyamrutu,
and performed Ashwamedha Namaskaram, reaffirming his reverence for India’s
spiritual heritage. He was received with traditional honours by temple
authorities, including TTK Devaswom President T. P. Vinod Kumar, Executive
Officer K. P. Vinayan, Chief Priest E. P. Kuberan Namboothiri, and members of
the Devaswom Board.
Earlier in the day,
Anant Ambani visited the Guruvayur Temple and offered prayers to Lord
Guruvayurappan, donating ₹3
crore to the temple trust. Reflecting his longstanding commitment to animal
welfare through Vantara, he also announced support for initiatives aimed at
improving the care of temple elephants. These include plans for
a dedicated elephant hospital, a chain-free shelter, and modern facilities
designed to ensure humane, scientific and dignified care for elephants
associated with temple traditions.
At Guruvayur, he was
received by Devaswom Chairman A. V. Gopinath and other officials, who honoured
him with traditional mementos and prasadam in the presence of senior
representatives from the Devaswom and Jeevadhan departments.
Speaking on the occasion, Anant Ambani emphasised the importance of preserving India’s spiritual and cultural legacy, noting that places of worship are living institutions that foster faith, compassion, community bonding and harmony with nature. He underlined the need to safeguard heritage structures while ensuring ethical and modern standards of care for animals that remain integral to temple traditions.
Through these initiatives, Anant Ambani’s contributions reflect a broader vision that integrates faith, service and conservation, supporting the preservation of sacred heritage, improving facilities for devotees, and advancing humane and scientific care for temple animals — reinforcing India’s enduring civilisational ethos of compassion and coexistence.
