World Elephant Day 2024: Why are elephants important in Kerala?
lifestyle Aug 12 2024
Author: Aishwarya Nair Image Credits:Pixabay
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Sons of 'sahya'
In Kerala, elephants are often called the "sons of the Sahya," a reference from the poem "Sahyante Makan" by Vyloppalli Sreedhara Menon.
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State Animal
The elephant appears on the emblem of the Government of Kerala, derived from the Royal Arms of Travancore and Cochin.
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Elephants in temple festivals
Elephants carry deities during annual festival processions and ceremonial circumambulations in Hindu temples. They are adorned with gold-plated caparisons, bells, and necklaces.
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Thrissur Pooram
The obsession with elephants peaks during Thrissur Pooram, a major temple festival in Kerala that attracts lakhs of visitors and is a prestigious event for temple elephants.
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Elephant palace
The world's only Elephant Palace, located in Punnattur Kotta, 3 km from the Guruvayur temple, was built to house the temple's elephants. Guruvayur Kesavan was one among them.
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Three mahouts for each elephant
Each elephant has three mahouts, known as "paappan" in Malayalam. Their primary duties include bathing and massaging the elephant with small rocks and coconut husks.