Mumbai

Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, has announced contributions worth Rs 18 crore towards temple infrastructure and animal welfare initiatives in Kerala.

The contributions include Rs 6 crore in donations—Rs 3 crore each to the Rajrajeshwaram Temple and the Guruvayur Temple—along with a Rs 12 crore commitment for the comprehensive renovation of the Rajrajeshwaram Temple.

During his visit to the Rajrajeshwaram Temple on April 2, Ambani made traditional offerings and handed over a cheque of Rs 3 crore towards ongoing renovation efforts. As part of the larger commitment, he pledged support for the restoration of the temple’s historic East Gopuram, a structure of significant aesthetic and archaeological value that has remained in disrepair for over two centuries.

The funding will also be utilised to improve infrastructure, including parking facilities, to enhance the experience for pilgrims visiting the temple.

Earlier the same day, Ambani visited the Guruvayur Temple, where he offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan and donated Rs 3 crore to the temple trust.

In line with his broader conservation efforts through Vantara, Ambani also announced plans to support the welfare of temple elephants at Guruvayur. Proposed initiatives include the development of a dedicated elephant hospital, a chain-free shelter, and modern facilities aimed at ensuring humane and scientific care for the animals.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambani said that India’s spiritual traditions are “living institutions” that nurture faith, community, and a deep connection with nature, emphasising the need to preserve this heritage for future generations.

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He added that the initiatives aim to enhance the experience of devotees while ensuring dignified and compassionate care for animals integral to temple traditions.