Anant Ambani’s Mahā Kānuka to Kaliyuga Daivam: 25 Electric Buses Donated to Tirumala TTD

In the sacred hills of Tirumala, where millions of devotees ascend the seven hills seeking the boundless grace of Lord Sri Venkateswara — the Kaliyuga Daivam — a beautiful confluence of deep bhakti and thoughtful seva unfolded on June 28, 2026.

Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, arrived at the abode of Lord Balaji for darshan. In the early hours of the morning, he participated in the auspicious Suprabhata Seva, the sacred ritual in which the Lord is gently awakened with Vedic hymns and stotras. He then offered special pujas and, in a deeply personal act of surrender, donated his hair at the temple — a traditional expression of complete devotion practiced by countless pilgrims over centuries.

Following the divine darshan, Anant Ambani made a magnificent announcement that has warmed the hearts of devotees across the world.

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The Grand Offering: 25 Electric Buses for Tirumala Pilgrims

Reliance Industries will donate 25 state-of-the-art electric buses valued at ₹27.5 crore to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

But the generosity does not stop at the vehicles. Reliance has committed to:

  • Bearing the full cost of setting up EV charging stations across Tirumala
  • Covering the salaries and allowances of approximately 50 drivers who will operate these buses

This ensures that the buses will run smoothly and sustainably for years to come, providing comfortable, eco-friendly transportation for the millions of pilgrims who visit Tirumala every year.

Why This Donation Matters Spiritually and Practically

Tirumala is not just a temple — it is the living heart of Sanatan Dharma in the Kali Yuga. Every year, tens of millions of devotees, including a large number of NRIs from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, and beyond, undertake the sacred journey.

The introduction of electric buses brings multiple blessings:

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  • Environmental Seva: Reducing vehicular pollution on the sacred ghat roads aligns with the Hindu principle of protecting nature as part of dharma.
  • Comfort for Devotees: Especially beneficial for elderly pilgrims, families with children, and those with health conditions.
  • Modern Infrastructure: A forward-looking step that combines ancient faith with contemporary responsibility.

In Hindu tradition, dāna (charity) performed for the service of the Lord and His devotees carries immense spiritual merit. When such dāna is done at a kshetra like Tirumala and includes ongoing support (salaries and infrastructure), its punya multiplies manifold. Serving the pilgrims who come to see Lord Venkateswara is considered equivalent to serving the Lord Himself.

A Family Legacy of Devotion

Anant Ambani’s visit to Tirumala this month is his second in June 2026. Earlier, he had accompanied his parents and wife Radhika Merchant for darshan. The Ambani family’s reverence for Lord Venkateswara is well known, and this latest act of philanthropy reflects a beautiful blend of personal faith and corporate responsibility.

What Devotees Are Saying

Across social media and devotional circles, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Devotees are hailing the move as a perfect example of how modern industrialists can contribute meaningfully to ancient temple traditions while embracing sustainability.

May This Inspire More Seva

Anant Ambani’s offering stands as a shining example for all of us. Whether we are blessed with great wealth or modest means, the spirit of seva — serving the Lord through service to His devotees — remains open to everyone.

As we rejoice in this noble gesture, let us also pray:

“శ్రీ వేంకటేశ్వర స్వామి వారి కృపా కటాక్షం అందరికీ లభించుగాక!”
May the compassionate glance of Lord Sri Venkateswara fall upon all devotees.

Planning your Tirumala trip?
Read our complete guides on Tirumala darshan, Suprabhata Seva timings, and practical tips for NRI devotees.