Anna Lezhneva, wife of renowned actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, visited the sacred Tirumala temple to offer her hair in fulfillment of a vow. This devotional gesture followed the safe return and recovery of their son, Mark Shankar Pawanovich, who was recently injured in a fire incident in Singapore.
The spiritual visit to Tirumala comes after a turbulent time for the family, who rushed to Singapore earlier this month following the news of a fire accident at their son’s school. Mark Shankar reportedly suffered minor injuries but was discharged after successful treatment. The anxiety and emotional toll of the incident left the family shaken, and Anna had reportedly made a vow to Lord Venkateswara that she would offer her hair at the temple if her son returned safely.
A Mother’s Promise Kept
True to her word, Anna Lezhneva made the pilgrimage to Tirupati along with her children, including Mark, who is now recovering well. As is customary among many devotees visiting the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Anna offered her hair in a tonsure ceremony, symbolizing humility, surrender, and devotion to the deity.
For Anna, who comes from a different cultural and religious background, the act of head tonsuring at Tirumala is seen not only as a traditional expression of thanksgiving but also as a deeply personal gesture of love and relief. Her commitment to the ritual highlights the family’s respect for local traditions and their spiritual way of expressing gratitude in times of crisis.
Traditional Rituals Observed
Upon arriving at Tirumala, Anna and her family took part in the early morning Suprabhata Seva — the ceremonial wake-up ritual for the deity. Following this, she proceeded to the temple’s designated area for hair offerings. Dressed modestly and accompanied by her children, she fulfilled her vow in silence and reverence.
Anna also visited the Varaha Swamy temple nearby, as is customary for those visiting Tirumala. It is considered spiritually important to first seek the blessings of Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Vishnu, before visiting the main sanctum of Lord Venkateswara. These rituals, performed with sincerity and humility, emphasized the family’s strong belief in divine grace and protection.
Mark Shankar’s Recovery and Family’s Return
The incident that led to this heartfelt offering occurred during a school event in Singapore when a minor fire broke out. While Mark sustained injuries, prompt medical care ensured his safety. Pawan Kalyan and Anna had flown out immediately after the incident and stayed with their son until his recovery.
Upon returning to India, the family decided to visit Tirumala as part of their personal spiritual journey. This pilgrimage not only marked the end of a stressful period but also served as a reaffirmation of faith and resilience.
Public Response and Media Attention
As visuals of Anna’s Tirumala visit surfaced on social media, they were met with a wave of support and admiration. Many praised her devotion and the dignified manner in which she performed the rituals. Her actions resonated with thousands of parents who could relate to the anxiety of a child’s safety and the overwhelming gratitude that follows their recovery.
While the act of tonsuring one’s head is deeply rooted in Indian tradition, Anna’s gesture touched many as a universal expression of a mother’s love and spiritual commitment — transcending religious and cultural boundaries.
Anna Lezhneva’s offering at Tirumala stands as a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s faith and the deep personal connections people form with their spiritual beliefs. It was not merely a ritual, but a profoundly emotional expression of relief, gratitude, and hope. As her son recovers and life begins to return to normal, this act of devotion will remain a significant and touching chapter in the family’s journey — one that reflects both their personal values and their respect for the culture they are part of.