Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent on month-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils as they recover from their arduous labour.
7:42PM BST 10 Jul 2011
5 Comments The herd of 64 elephants from the Sree Krishna will be fed large quantities of food - enough for them to put on 700-800 pounds - and pampered.
During this period, 64 elephants from Kerala's Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur will be fed large quantities of food and pampered.
TCR Nambiar, a temple veterinary officer, said the Indian elephants were being treated after spending months walking on tarred roads, living on palm leaves and bananas and playing guard of honour during numerous temple festivals.
Their 'spa' daily diet includes special rice, horse gram and turmeric in addition to a mix of multi-vitamins, tonics and mineral and liver extracts, all monitored by experts.
This rejuvenation treatment would also calm them down ahead of a busy work schedule in upcoming events later in the year where they are the principal attraction.
The entire elephant 'holiday' package costs the temple authorities over Rs 900,000 (£12,500) but additional funds were available should they be required for the highly revered animals.
Hindus believe that propitiating Ganesha the elephant god clears all obstacles in addition to providing its worshippers wisdom, prudence and power.
Consequently, possessing elephants is a traditional symbol of prestige for temples across southern India.
All temples, however, never purchase their elephants as they were donated by devotees as a sign of piety.
Hindus believe that propitiating Ganesha the elephant god clears all obstacles in addition to providing its worshippers wisdom, prudence and power.
Consequently, possessing elephants is a traditional symbol of prestige for temples across southern India.
All temples, however, never purchase their elephants as they were donated by devotees as a sign of piety.
