The significance of Temple Elephants

Ever wondered why are elephants found at entrances of major temples in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Be it the Srirangam or Sarangpani Temple, bedecked young female elephants gaze & greet visitors, bemusing devotees. Brought from the forests of NorthEastern India or the reserves of Kerala at an early age, they are often used during temple festivals for a number of reasons: to lead a procession of devotees or to carry the main idol of the temple on its back. Dressed for the occasion, trainers spend quality time preparing them for the event.

Quite naturally they also bring in a sizable number of curious onlookers. These elephants are at times used for begging alms from devotees who often cough up a coin of Rs 5 to the elephant who picks it with its trunk followed by bestowing a blessing to the alms-giver! Though they are a pleasing attraction, there are complaints of ill treatment, besides the cloistered environment tends to leave them with lifelong ailments. Off late many of these domesticated elephants are taken to surrounding sanctuaries for a rejuvenating break at least once a year.