Pawan Kalyan’s Wife Fulfills Tirumala Tonsure Vow.
Pawan Kalyan and Anna Lezhneva’s son, Mark Shankar, recently survived a terrifying fire accident in Singapore while attending a summer camp. The unfortunate incident occurred on April 8, leaving the young boy with burns on his hands and legs. Additionally, he inhaled smoke during the mishap, raising serious health concerns. Fortunately, he received timely medical attention and is now on the path to recovery. The incident left the family shaken, but they remain hopeful and grateful for his survival.
Pawan Kalyan’s Wife Fulfills Sacred Vow at Tirumala After Son’s Near-Fatal Fire Accident in Singapore
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and JanaSena Party chief Pawan Kalyan’s wife, Anna Lezhneva Konidela, fulfilled a solemn vow she had made during a period of deep emotional turmoil. On Sunday, she performed the sacred head-tonsuring ritual at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, as an act of thanksgiving to Lord Venkateshwara for saving her son’s life following a severe fire accident in Singapore.
The emotional act was rooted in a promise she made during a moment of desperation when her son, Mark Shankar, faced a life-threatening situation. The young boy had suffered burns in a fire mishap that occurred on April 8 while he was attending a summer camp at a school in Singapore. The tragic incident caused significant injuries to Mark’s hands and legs, and he also suffered smoke inhalation, making his condition serious at the time.
The news of the accident had deeply affected the Konidela family, and Anna, overwhelmed with fear for her child’s life, made a heartfelt vow — if her son survived the ordeal, she would offer her hair to the presiding deity of Tirumala. Her recent pilgrimage and tonsuring of her head fulfilled that sacred promise.
According to a press release issued by the JanaSena Party, Anna Konidela performed the traditional tonsuring ritual at Padmavati Kalyana Katta, a designated area in Tirumala where pilgrims shave their heads as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. She also took part in additional temple rituals as per tradition. The act was not just a symbolic gesture, but one deeply rooted in religious and spiritual significance, reflecting the age-old belief in surrendering one’s ego and self to the divine.
Anna, originally from Russia, is of Orthodox Christian faith. Her participation in Hindu rituals required her to complete a formal process of declaration. According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the administrative body that oversees the functioning of the Tirumala temple, any non-Hindu seeking to enter and perform rituals at the shrine must sign a declaration affirming belief in Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity.
In accordance with these rules, Anna Konidela signed the required declaration forms at Gayatri Sadan, a TTD facility, before her temple visit. Temple officials were present during the signing process, ensuring all formalities were met in line with TTD guidelines. This step was important to maintain the sanctity and traditional practices of the temple, which is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in the world.
The press release further clarified that Anna’s vow was made specifically in relation to her son’s health and survival.
The incident involving her son had shaken the family and sent waves of concern through Pawan Kalyan’s supporters and well-wishers. Thankfully, Mark Shankar received timely medical attention in Singapore, and doctors were able to stabilize his condition. His recovery is ongoing, but he is now reported to be out of danger and on the road to healing.
Anna’s gesture at Tirumala has drawn widespread attention, not just because of her status as the wife of a prominent political leader and actor, but also because of the cross-cultural and interfaith aspects of her devotion. Her act has been perceived by many as a genuine expression of maternal love and spiritual surrender, transcending religious boundaries.
This is not the first time that Tirumala has witnessed such acts of faith by individuals of non-Hindu backgrounds. The temple administration has a long-standing practice of allowing devotees from other religions to participate in rituals, provided they sign the declaration of belief and respect temple traditions.
Pawan Kalyan, who recently took oath as Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister in the alliance government led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has not made a public statement about the fire incident or the recent temple visit. However, sources close to the family confirmed that the couple has been immensely relieved and grateful for their son’s recovery.
The Tirumala temple, situated in the hills of Tirupati, is visited by millions of devotees each year, many of whom perform head tonsuring as an offering. For Anna Konidela, the act was not just about tradition — it was a mother’s promise fulfilled and a deeply emotional expression of her gratitude to a higher power.
As the Konidela family continues to support Mark Shankar’s recovery, Anna’s recent temple visit will likely remain a defining spiritual moment in their lives, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the universal language of a mother’s love and faith.