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| Decorated elephants,Shiva temple,Ernakulam, KE depositphotos.com |
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| Decorated elephants,Kerala depositphotos.com |
Introduction
That Elephants are deeply intertwined with the Hindu temple culture in Kerala, is quite true. Considered sacred symbols of divinity and prosperity, they are commonly featured as part of daily rituals and grand annual festivals (poorams)related to temples.The deep-rooted tradition continues even today under strict guidelines of the state government.
Elephants in Kerala, primarily the Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus), are an integral part of the state's cultural and religious fabric. As one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, these majestic creatures have been listed as endangered by the IUCN since 1986, with their population declining by at least 50% over the last three generations. Currently, there are an estimated 25,600 to 32,750 Asian elephants left in the wild, with habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation being the primary threats to their survival.
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| Temple elephants,Kerala shutterstock.com |
In addition to Kerala's wild elephant population, the state also has more than 700 captive elephants. Most are owned by temples and individuals, used for religious ceremonies, festivals, and a few for timber work.
Cultural Significance of Elephants in Kerala
Elephants in Kerala are often referred to as the "sons of the Sahya" (a reference to the Western Ghats or Sahyadri). As the state animal, the elephant is featured on Kerala’s emblem, derived from the Royal Arms of Travancore and Cochin. Captive elephants, especially those donated to temples, are a central part of religious rituals. They are decorated in elaborate gold-plated caparisons, bells, and ornaments during festivals, and often carry deities in grand processions.
Elephants in Festivals
Elephants are a significant feature in major festivals such as the famous Thrissur Pooram. Many prominent temples, like the Guruvayur Temple, own elephants, with the Guruvayur Temple alone housing over 60. The temple has even constructed an Elephant Palace at Punnathur Kotta to accommodate its elephants. The temple's legendary elephant, Guruvayur Kesavan, is still remembered with reverence.
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| Decorated Elephant parade Pooram Fest rudraksha-ratna.com |
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| elephants Thrissur Pooram, Kerala.baliluwih. blogspot.com |
During festivals, elephants adorned in caparisons participate in ceremonial processions, carrying deities on their backs. Festivals such as Nenmara Vallangi Vela and Thrissur Pooram showcase these decorated elephants in grandeur. The elephants are often accompanied by percussion ensembles, and devotees line the streets to witness these spectacular processions.
Elephant Care in Kerala
Caring for elephants in Kerala is entrusted to their mahouts, locally called paappans. Each elephant typically has three mahouts who are responsible for bathing and massaging the elephants, often using coconut husks and small rocks. During the monsoon season, elephants undergo Ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation therapies involving herbal decoctions.
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| Captive elephant, Punnathur kotta,KE sampathmk.com |
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| Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple thenewsminute.com |
Elephant Conservation Efforts in Kerala
Kerala is home to India's first and the world's largest elephant rehabilitation center, the Kottur Elephant Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Thiruvananthapuram district. This center was established with the aim of protecting and rehabilitating elephants. Other notable elephant care centers include the Kodanad Abhayaranyam Animal Shelter and the Konni Elephant Training Center, both of which focus on the welfare and training of elephants.
In a statewide census conducted by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department in November 2018, over 5,706 elephants were counted. The district of Thrissur recorded the highest number of elephants (145), while Kasaragod reported no elephants.
Conclusion
Elephants hold a special place in Kerala's cultural, religious, and environmental landscape. While they are celebrated and revered in festivals and temple rituals, concerns about their treatment and well-being are growing. Conservation and rehabilitation efforts, like those at the Kottur Sanctuary, are essential for ensuring that these majestic creatures continue to thrive in the wild and in captivity, while also preserving Kerala’s unique cultural heritage.
In the past thee years as there has been a growing concern about the safety of the public and welfare of the animals that are burdened with painful tasks during temple festivities, a proposal is made to use mechanical elephants todot he temple duty. Already two temples in Kerala have stopped using elephants and switched over to Mechanical life-size elephant to do tasks related to temple rituals.
ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punnathurkotta
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/elephant-renting-is-now-jumbo-business/article4949312.ece
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephants_in_Kerala_culture
Tusker Ambalappuzha Vijayakrishnan dies, activists allege ill-treatment - The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com. 10 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
India's first elephant rehabilitation centre in the works at Kerala's Kottoor". Hindustan Times. 8 July 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
