The temple that bonds Anil and Mukesh Ambani

It’s a small shrine in Nathdwara, near Udaipur in Rajasthan - Srinathji - but there’s nothing small about the devouts who have placed their faith in the powers and blessings of this extraordinary temple. Among its famous believers are the Ambanis and the Hiranandanis.

Anil Ambani was at the shrine a few days ago with wife Tina and two sons Jaianshul and Jaianmol. The family is known to seek blessings at this temple before every crucial event in their personal life or professional life.

Reveals one of the administrators of the temple on condition of anonymity, “Anil was here to seek blessings before the launch of his new venture Reliance Power. Even elder brother Mukesh visits the temple at least twice every year.”

There is an almost ‘Deewar’ like angle to this temple and the Ambani brothers. Despite parting ways, both brothers are equally passionate about their faith in Srinathji.

“Before the brothers split, they used to come together. About two years ago Anil and Mukesh, along with their mother Kokilaben, visited the shrine together.

At that time there speculation that Anil and Mukesh were not getting along and could choose to separate. That was the last time the entire family came together to Nathdwara. After that both the brothers continue to visit, but separately.”

Kokila Ambani is the Vice President of the temple board and has donated a huge amount for the development of the temple as well as the town of Nathdwara.

Recently they inaugurated a dharamshala named ‘Dheeraj Dhaam’ for which Kokilaben also donated a substantial amount to construct a cow shed.

No wonder when the Ambanis visit the temple special arrangements are made for the family. They usually go for darshan before the temple is thrown open to public visitors and even when they go in at other times, an special area has been earmarked for them.