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| Thrissur Poorum, Kerala drikpanchang.com |
In many prominent Hindu temples across South India—especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu—elephants are not just majestic animals but sacred participants in rituals, festivals, and daily temple life. Traditionally stationed at temple entrances, they bless devotees, particularly children, by gently placing their trunk over their heads—a gesture trained by mahouts and often accompanied by the symbolic offering of coins or currency. These offerings typically go toward the upkeep of the elephants and the livelihood of the mahouts.
Temples like Madurai Meenakshi Amman, Srirangam Ranganathaswamy, Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar, and Uppiliappan Kovil in Tamil Nadu, and Guruvayur, Thrissur Vadakkunnathan, Kudalmanikyam, and Thiruvambady temples in Kerala, feature elephants as an integral part of temple festivities. During processions (utsavams), richly adorned elephants lead the way, carrying temple idols or ceremonial umbrellas, drawing attention with their gold-plated headgear (nettipattam), ornate bells, and beaded necklaces. At the Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala’s grandest festivals, elephants are lined up in regal display—a visual and auditory spectacle that captivates thousands.
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| Captive elephant, Punnathurkotta,KE sampathmk.com |
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| Elephants chained at Punnathurkotta. en.wikipedia.org |
Many of these elephants are offerings from devotees whose prayers were answered. Donating an elephant is considered a supreme act of piety. At Guruvayur Temple, elephants donated by devotees are housed at Punnathurkotta, 3 km away. Once a royal palace, this facility—locally called Anakkotta (elephant fort)—has housed up to 86 elephants, though the number is currently around 59. This site is a major tourist and religious attraction. Despite the popularity, concerns have arisen regarding the cramped space—11.5 acres, though guidelines recommend 1.25 acres per elephant.
These elephants are trained to participate in sacred rituals like Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Anayoottu (mass feeding), believed to bring blessings from Lord Ganesha. Their upkeep involves trained veterinary staff, regular health checks, and seasonal Ayurvedic treatments like Sukha Chikitsa to relieve stress and maintain vitality. Elephants receive oil massages, are fed herbal decoctions, and are bathed regularly. Males in musth—a hormonal phase of aggression—are isolated and carefully handled.
The mahouts (called Paappans in Malayalam and Aanai Paagan in Tamil) are specially trained in elephant behavior, dietary needs, commands, and crisis management. They follow one of three traditional Sanskrit classifications: Reghawan (affection-based handlers), Yukthiman (strategic handlers), and Balwan (forceful handlers). Increasingly, training emphasizes humane methods.
Despite the sacredness of the role, issues of cruelty and neglect have surfaced in recent years. Overwork, prolonged chaining, exposure to fireworks, and lack of adequate rest or water—especially during long processions—have led to public and legal scrutiny. Multiple incidents of elephants running amok have highlighted the need for reform. Following pressure from activists, media, and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), the Kerala High Court has directed temple authorities to ensure elephants are not subjected to hardship, particularly during peak summer festivals.
While challenges remain, steps are being taken to balance tradition with compassion. Elephants continue to embody divine strength and loyalty, representing an enduring bond between faith and nature in India’s sacred spaces.
ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punnathurkotta
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/elephant-renting-is-now-jumbo-business/article4949312.ece
"BBC South Asia: India's overworked elephants". BBC. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
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