Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, visited Kerala and announced major donations to two prominent temples, along with support for elephant welfare initiatives.
He pledged a
total of Rs 6 crore, with Rs 3 crore each to Rajrajeshwaram Temple and Guruvayur Temple.
Rs 12 crore plan for Rajrajeshwaram Temple
During his visit to the Rajrajeshwaram Temple on April 2 at around 8 PM, Anant Ambani made traditional offerings, including Ponnumkudam, Pattam, Thaali, Neyyamrutu, and performed Ashwamedha Namaskaram. He also handed over a cheque of Rs 3 crore for ongoing renovation work.
He further committed Rs 12 crore for a broader renovation project. This includes restoration of the historic East Gopuram, a structure considered as old as the temple itself and in disrepair for more than two centuries. The funds will also be used to improve parking and infrastructure for pilgrims.
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.
Guruvayur visit
Earlier in the day at around 5 PM, Anant Ambani visited the Guruvayur Temple and offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan. He donated Rs 3 crore to the temple trust.
He was received by Devaswom Chairman A V Gopinath and other officials, and was honoured with traditional mementos and prasadam. Senior officials from the Devaswom and Jeevadhan departments were present.
Support for elephant welfare
Anant Ambani also announced support for elephant welfare initiatives at Guruvayur. These include plans for a dedicated elephant hospital, a chain-free shelter, and modern facilities to ensure humane and scientific care for temple elephants. The effort is linked to his work with Vantara.
Speaking during the visit, Anant Ambani said India’s spiritual traditions are living institutions that promote faith, community, compassion, and connection with nature.
He said it is a shared responsibility to preserve this heritage for future generations, adding that the initiatives aim to improve the experience for devotees while ensuring proper care and dignity for animals linked to temple traditions.
Anant Ambani said, “India’s spiritual traditions are not merely places of worship- they are living institutions that nurture faith, community, compassion, and our deep connection with nature. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen this sacred heritage for future generations. Through these initiatives, and through our work at Vantara, we seek to serve with humility – by enhancing the experience of devotees, while ensuring that the animals who are an integral part of our traditions are cared for with the utmost dignity, compassion, and scientific attention.”
The contributions reflect a wider approach focused on faith, service, compassion, and harmony with nature. The initiatives aim to support temple infrastructure, restore heritage structures, improve facilities for visitors, and strengthen the welfare of temple animals.
