Kerala: Gajaratnam Guruvayur Padmanabhan, temple elephant of Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple, died of age-related illness, here on Wednesday.
The ailing elephant, which was under treatment at Punnathoor Kotta elephant camp for the past two months, died at 2 pm, leaving behind fond memories among elephant lovers and Krishna devotees who frequently visited Guruvayur.
As requested by the Guruvayur Devaswom considering the devotees’ wishes, the Forest and Wildlife Department and the Devaswom Minister have agreed to bury Guruvayur Padmanabhan at Punnathur Kotta itself.
Padmanabhan, born in the forests of Nilambur, was bought by EP Brothers of Ottappalam from Alathur Swami when the tusker was just 14 years old. Later, he was given to Guruvayur Temple as an offering to Lord Krishna. From 1962, the tusker started carrying the Thidambu. After Guruvayur Kesavan died in 1976, Padmanabhan was declared to be Kesavan’s successor.
Padmanabhan, who held the honorary title of ‘Gajaratnam’, was a very calm and graceful tusker, who always loved to be amidst people. He had the privilege and aura to carry the Swarnakolam and used to lead the other elephants in procession during Arattu at the temple, for years together.
The elephant, which had gained a huge fan base and was loved by young and old alike for his graceful nature, was honoured with the title of ‘Gajaratnam’ in 2004, by Guruvayur Devaswom. This was besides many other laurels that came his way.
Elephant lovers were bowled over by Padmanabhan’s magnificence as he carried the Thidambu and raised his head. He used to stand out tall among other elephants and was believed to be divine. He was also the eldest among the tamed elephants of Kerala.
As Padmanabhan turned ill, the Wildlife department had restricted taking him out for processions and Ezhinnallippu. His memories will be cherished by many elephant lovers.
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