Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani recently visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, where he participated in the centuries-old tradition of offering his hair as an act of devotion. The ritual, observed by millions of pilgrims every year, is considered one of the most significant spiritual practices associated with the temple.
Anant Ambani Participates in Sacred Temple Ritual
Dressed in traditional white attire, Anant Ambani visited the Tirumala temple with his family and took part in the early morning Suprabhata Seva before offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara.
As part of his visit, he underwent the customary tonsure (mundan), a symbolic act of surrender and devotion performed by devotees seeking the blessings of the deity.
Following the rituals, temple priests offered Veda Ashirvachanam, presented him with Srivari Theertha Prasadam, and honoured him with a ceremonial silk shawl. During his visit, he was also seen interacting with the temple’s sacred elephant.
What Is the Tirumala Tonsure Ritual?
The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, located in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Offering one’s hair at the temple is a long-standing religious tradition followed by men, women, and children as an expression of humility, gratitude, and complete surrender to Lord Venkateswara.
Many devotees perform the ritual after making a vow or in thanksgiving for blessings they believe they have received.
The Legend Behind the Tradition
According to temple tradition, the custom is linked to a legend in which Lord Venkateswara lost a portion of His hair during a battle. Moved by compassion, Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess, offered a lock of her own hair to restore Him.
Touched by her devotion, Lord Venkateswara is believed to have blessed Neela Devi by declaring that devotees would offer their hair at Tirumala in her honour and receive spiritual merit in return. This act of fulfilling a vow through hair donation is popularly known as “mokku.”
The Spiritual Significance of Hair Donation
In Hindu belief, hair is often regarded as a symbol of ego, pride, attachment, and worldly desires. By offering their hair to the deity, devotees symbolically surrender these attachments and express faith, humility, and gratitude.
For many pilgrims, the ritual represents a spiritual renewal and a reminder of selflessness, making it one of the most cherished traditions at the Tirumala temple.