Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri recently disclosed that Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Nita and Mukesh Ambani, personally invited him to his wedding with Radhika Merchant. Anant was so insistent on his presence that he sent a private jet to bring Shastri from Sydney, where he was engaged in a religious discourse.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Lavish Wedding
On July 12, 2024, Anant Ambani tied the knot with his longtime love, Radhika Merchant, in a grand ceremony that showcased the richness of Hindu wedding traditions. The wedding was attended by many prominent personalities from around the world. One of the highlights was the Shubh Ashirwaad, a Sanatani ritual performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Numerous respected saints and religious figures were also in attendance.
Anant Ambani’s Persistent Request to Dhirendra Shastri
Anant Ambani, deeply spiritual and devoted to God, is an admirer of Dhirendra Shastri, a revered religious guru and kathakar from Bageshwar Dham.
In a recent podcast with Sushant Sinha, Dhirendra Shastri shared how Anant strongly urged him to attend the wedding, despite his prior engagement in Australia for a katha (religious discourse).
Shastri recalled how Anant’s team assured him that a private jet would be arranged to pick him up and return him promptly. Although Shastri hesitated due to the time commitment, Anant remained firm in his request, even stating that he wouldn’t proceed with the wedding if Shastri didn’t attend. Reflecting on this, Shastri recounted Anant’s words:
“Unhone kaha shaadi mein aana hai, hum Australia mein the. Toh unke sath mein rahte hai, unhone kaha ki hawai jahaaj jo jayegi wahi apko le aayegi. Mai ne kaha kaise aayege jaayege bahut samay lag jayega katha chutth jayegi, Sydney mein katha karni thi. Bole nahi chukegi nahi.”
Vo dada bolte hai. Anant bhaiji, humko bole, ‘Dada her haal mein apko aana hai, nahi toh shaadi nahi karege.’ Humne kaha aisi baat bol rahe hai, chahe jo ho jave, humne kaha utha lo dhar lo. Toh hum aa jayege.”
Anant Ambani’s Determination and Hospitality
Anant Ambani went to great lengths, arranging a large private jet for Shastri, where he could rest and even freshen up before the ceremony. Shastri described the wedding as a beautiful ‘Sanatani’ event and praised the Ambani family for their warm hospitality towards all the saints, ensuring they felt comfortable and respected, despite the VIP setting. Shastri also recalled Anant’s considerate words during the wedding, ensuring his comfort:
“Sab ready hai, apka Chartered udd jayega, sab ready hai. Ap bhojan karke jana dada. Koi dikkat ho toh hume bata dena. Apni shaadi mein itna care.”
“Everything is ready, your chartered flight will depart. Please eat before you leave, Dada. Let us know if you face any issues. Such care at his own wedding!”
Understanding the Santani Ritual and Aashirwad Ceremony
The Santani ritual, part of Anant and Radhika’s Aashirwad ceremony, is a traditional Vedic practice performed at various significant life events, including marriages. It involves rituals like puja, yagya, and dhawan, with Acharyas chanting sacred Sanskrit mantras. The Aashirwad ceremony during Anant and Radhika’s wedding set a remarkable example of this beautiful tradition.
What are your thoughts on Dhirendra Shastri’s revelations about Anant Ambani?