Anna Lezhneva, wife of actor and politician Pawan Kalyan, visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, offering her hair as a gesture of devotion while her son, Mark Shankar, recovers from injuries sustained in a school fire. Photos of her ritual have gained traction on social media, with the Jana Sena Party's X (Twitter) account sharing images and confirming her hair donation post-temple visit.
Reports indicate that Anna Lezhneva also signed the customary religious declaration required for non-Hindu visitors to Tirumala. This declaration signifies a devotee's complete faith and intention to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, a practice observed by those of different faiths visiting the revered Hindu shrine.
The act of shaving one's head at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple holds significant religious meaning. Many devotees undertake this ritual as part of a "mokku" or vow, a promise to sacrifice their hair in gratitude for answered prayers or fulfilled wishes. It is also viewed as a symbolic act of purification, with devotees often shaving their heads and bathing before seeking the Lord's blessings, signifying spiritual renewal.
This visit comes following a distressing incident on April 8th, 2025, when Mark Shankar, son of Pawan Kalyan and Anna Lezhneva, was injured in a fire at a school in Singapore. The fire, which occurred at the River Valley Shophouse, resulted in injuries to multiple students. Mark Shankar sustained burns on his hands and thighs, necessitating medical treatment, including a bronchoscopy.
Pawan Kalyan, who traveled to Singapore to be with his son, has since returned to India, having been seen at the Hyderabad airport earlier today.
