Jamnagar / Dwarka, Gujarat – April 2025
In a rare and widely discussed spiritual journey, Anant Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries Limited and the youngest son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, completed a long-distance padayatra (foot pilgrimage) from his ancestral hometown of Jamnagar to the sacred Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka. The journey, covering nearly 170–180 kilometres, attracted nationwide attention for its religious significance, acts of compassion, and cultural resonance.
A Journey Rooted in Devotion
Anant Ambani embarked on his padayatra on March 29, 2025, with the intention of reaching the holy city of Dwarka ahead of Ram Navami and just before his 30th birthday on April 10. Walking approximately 20 kilometres a day, he navigated the historic route deeply rooted in Gujarati spiritual tradition, stopping at temples and engaging in prayers along the way.
The pilgrimage drew participants from local towns and villages, with devotees joining portions of the walk to share in the devotional experience. Ambani was often seen chanting religious hymns such as the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand during his journey.
Compassion Along the Path
One of the most talked-about moments of the padayatra occurred when Ambani stopped to rescue a group of poultry chickens that were being transported for slaughter. According to reports, he halted the convoy near Khambhalia in Devbhumi Dwarka district after learning of the situation, purchased the birds at twice the market price, and ensured they were set free during the journey. The incident generated extensive discussion on social media, with many lauding his act of compassion while others debated its symbolism.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Anant’s padayatra resonates with India’s long tradition of pilgrimages on foot — seen not merely as physical exertion but as a devotional offering and spiritual discipline. The decision to walk such a long distance, especially given his earlier health struggles with Cushing’s syndrome, asthma, and other conditions, was highlighted by supporters as a testament to his resolve and faith.
During the journey, Bageshwar Dham’s Acharya Dhirendra Shastri — popularly known as Bageshwar Baba — also joined Ambani for part of the walk, adding a spiritual dimension to the pilgrimage.
Completion and Celebrations
The padayatra concluded on April 6, 2025, when Anant reached the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka early on the morning of Ram Navami, marking the successful completion of his spiritual endeavour. Family members including his wife Radhika Merchant and mother Nita Ambani were present to congratulate him, expressing pride and joy in his achievement.
The pilgrimage also served as a moment of cultural engagement, drawing attention to Gujarat’s rich tradition of devotional foot journeys, and underscored the personal faith of one of India’s most prominent business families.
Broader Impact
While the padayatra was a personal spiritual journey for Anant Ambani, it sparked national conversations about religion, tradition, compassion, and leadership. Videos and images from the walk — ranging from interactions with devotees to moments of kindness — were widely shared across platforms, inspiring diverse reactions from praise to critical debate about the public role of high-profile figures in religious practices.
Overall, the Jamnagar-to-Dwarka padayatra stands out as a unique convergence of faith, endurance, and cultural symbolism, reflecting India’s enduring traditions and the continuing relevance of spiritual journeys in contemporary society.