• Know about the legendary elephants of Kerala in the 18-19th centuries. In Kerala, elephants are loved lots and fed well. They play an important part in festivals too.

Kerala is a land blessed with the majestic presence of elephants. These gentle giants hold a special place in the hearts of the people here. In Kerala, elephants are not simply pets; they are family. They are showered with love, care and respect, their well-being entrusted to generations of skilled mahouts who dedicate their lives to ensuring the elephants’ comfort and happiness. More than just symbols, the lives of elephants and humans in Kerala are intertwined. They play a crucial role in various aspects of life—from aiding in forestry work to serving as cherished companions. 

Kerala’s temple festivals explode with colour and sound. The ceremonial pageantry featuring elephants adorned in vibrant caparisons is a sight to behold. Men bearing the Aalavattam (peacock feather fan) and Venchamaram (yak whisker fan) add to the regal aura, while the majestic Venkottakkuda (umbrella with metallic fringes) creates an eye-filling spectacle. The pageantry of elephants is always accompanied by a symphony created by musical instruments like drums, pipes and cymbals.

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal.

The history of Kerala has been etched with not only the names of her great sons, but also with the names of elephants distinguished for their intelligence, sanity and other exceptional qualities. Their memory remains as vibrant as ever. These majestic creatures serve as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and elephants in Kerala.

Kidangoor Kandankoran, Pandalam Neelakantan, Kottarakkara Chandrasekharan, Konniyil Kochayyappan, Avanamanakkal Gopalan, Vaikom Thiruneelakantan, Aranmula Valiya Balakrishnan and Thiruvattar Adikesavan are some of those legendary pachyderms.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of time, the legacy of these magnificent elephants who graced the 18th and 19th centuries, lives on, inspiring generations to come. Their tales serve as a reminder of the profound connection between humans and animals and the enduring power of respect, understanding and compassion.

Elephants Ornaments. Thrissur Pooram 2014.  

Kidangoor Kandankoran 

Kandankoran was the resident tusker of the Kidangoor Subrahmanya Swamy temple during the latter half of the 19th century. His well-proportioned physique and powerful limbs exuded majesty. The unique markings on his forehead and his long, impressive trunk only amplified his grandeur.

He was aptly named the ‘gentle giant’ due to his courteous demeanor and helpful nature. After a long and dedicated service in the temple, he took his last breath. Sadly, the circumstances surrounding Kandankoran’s final days are shrouded in mystery, leaving his fate unknown. 

Pandalam Neelakantan 

Despite facing financial constraints, the Pandalam Shiva temple acquired a young elephant from Arab merchants at a steal. Thottathil Unnithan, a renowned elephant tamer, named him Neelakantan. Neelakantan grew into a strong and well-trained elephant, though his lack of tusks disappointed the villagers. To address this, they crafted him a pair of artificial tusks from wood, painted to resemble real ones.

Madhavashar, his mahout, cared for Neelakantan with paternal affection. However, a tragic incident involving the death of Madhavashar’s assistant forever branded Neelakantan as a ‘Killer Elephant’. 

Despite this label, Neelakantan faithfully served the temple in its rituals and aided timber merchants. Sadly, his life was cut short at the young age of fifty in 1905. His body was found near the forest, sparking rumors of foul play. Some suspected an Englishman’s involvement, while others blamed Kumara Pillai, a man who had angered Neelakantan. Though his life was brief, Neelakantan’s bravery and unwavering spirit ensured that he would never be forgotten. 

Kottarakkara Chandrasekharan

The elephant captured from the forests during the latter half of the 18th Pandalam Neelakantan century was named Chandrasekharan by King Karthika Tirunal Rama Varma. The king employed him at the Kottarakkara Mahadeva temple. Kunju Nair, along with his assistant Kochukunju, cared for Chandrasekharan. The villagers treated him kindly, offering him sweet treats like plantains and jaggery.

While gentle by nature, Chandrasekharan would not hesitate to turn fierce if provoked.

One day, Chandrasekharan vanished into the dense forest. After a few weeks, he returned, accompanied by a female elephant. King Swathi Thirunal, the then ruler, named her Bhavani. In 1819, Bhavani gave birth to a calf, bringing immense joy to the villagers. Kunju Nair passed away in 1820, followed by King Swathi Thirunal’s passing in 1847. 

Finally, in 1852, Chandrasekharan himself breathed his last, leaving his admirers heartbroken.

Konniyil Kochayyappan 

Born in the wild embrace of the hills, Konniyil Kochayyappan, named after the revered Lord Sastha of Achankovil, was looked after by the Kartha of Ranni, the village head. Chakki and Vikki, two devoted women nurtured him with love. Their unexpected passing left a deep wound in his soul. Grief struck yet again when Kartha, his benefactor, also departed. Kochayyappan sought solace in the Achankovil Sastha Temple.

King Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of the Thiruvithamkoor Kingdom assigned Kochayyappan to the renowned elephant training center at Konni where he served as a thappana. Under the guidance of his mahout Pathanapuram Tirumoolam Pillai, Kochayyappan received special training in hauling up wild elephants trapped in pits. At Konni, he found a lifelong friend in Padmanabhan, another thappana.

Years passed. As age began to slow him, the king granted Kochayyappan a well deserved retirement. With a generous pension and dedicated caretakers by his side, Kochayyappan found a peaceful haven in serene Aranmula. There, in 1911, this magnificent creature passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 103.

Avanamanakkal Gopalan

Gopalan, a majestic elephant with a ‘karinakku’ (a blemish on his tongue) was considered unlucky by his original owners, the Pambummekkattu family. Despite this, Narayanan Nambudiri of Avanamana bought the 20-year-old elephant. Under the care of his new mahout, Achuta Menon, Gopalan thrived in his new home. 

A staunch devotee of the goddess Oorakathu Amma Thiruvady, Avanamanakkal Namboothiripad bestowed a great honour upon Gopalan—leading the grand procession of the goddess during the Arattupuzha Pooram. For years, Gopalan, alongside 28 other elephants, held this prestigious role, becoming a beloved figure among ‘pooram’ enthusiasts. Wherever he went, elephant lovers showered him with affection. He even led parades for the main deities of prominent temples in the former Cochin State, including Paramekkavu and Poornathrayeesa. 

As time passed, Gopalan seemed to sense his approaching end. With a quiet dignity, he bathed himself and enjoyed his usual meal of rice, lentils and ghee. His gaze then fell upon a pile of ash, seemingly forgotten. In a silent acceptance of his fate, he bathed himself in the dust, as if preparing for his final journey. Lying down peacefully facing south, Gopalan took his last breath, leaving a deep emptiness in the hearts of the Avanamana family and the entire village.

 Food for elephants. Thrissur Pooram 2014. 

Aranmula Valiya Balakrishnan

Valiya Balakrishnan was a magnificent elephant who thrived in the temple of Lord Parthasarathy at Aranmula. The Aranmula Samooham, a group of Brahmins celebrated for their culinary talents, offered him to the temple. Under the care of Thottavallil Kurup, the village leader, and Narayanan Nair, his devoted mahout, Valiya Balakrishnan flourished. Devotees showered him with gifts of plantains, jaggery and coconuts, which Valiya Balakrishnan, with his gentle spirit, shared with his fellow elephants, Balakrishnan and Kuttykrishnan.

Envy and misfortune plagued Valiya Balakrishnan. The Maramon diocese held a mysterious grudge against him. During the Arattu procession, they plotted with Thamarassery Nambi, a sorcerer, to ensnare him in a magical trap. However, Gopalan’s foresight and the intervention of the Bhagavathy temple oracle caused the trap to rebound on its creators. With his legendary strength, Valiya Balakrishnan once trampled a ferocious tiger to death in the forest. 

The unexpected demise of Narayanan Nair, followed by the death of Thottavallil Kurup found Valiya Balakrishnan enduring the cruelty of the new mahout, Padmanabha Pillai.

Despite these hardships, Valiya Balakrishnan persevered in his servitude. However, Padmanabha Pillai’s malice proved fatal. In Kaippuzha, Kottayam, the deep channel of river Pamba, Pillai’s cruelty led to Valiya Balakrishnan’s tragic demise. The villagers mourned their hero, lost not just to the treacherous waters but to the vengeful hand of a man.

Vaikom Thiruneelakantan

Torn from the forest as a young calf, Vaikom Thiruneelakantan, or Shanku as his admirers called him, was destined for greatness. Trained by skilled mahouts, his journey began at the Ettumanoor Shiva temple. Later, he was transferred to Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, guided by his dedicated mahout,

Govindashar.

Govindashar’s meticulous training instilled an ironclad discipline in Shanku. This earned him the playful nickname—a “lion outside the temple, a cat within.” His memory was exceptional, able to recall even the most seemingly insignificant detail. Shanku became a role model for other elephants, patiently teaching them valuable lessons when they misbehaved. 

Even at the grand age of ninety, Shanku displayed his unwavering devotion. During a demanding task, he undertook a perilous swim across a turbulent river. Utterly exhausted, the mighty Shanku, the prince among elephants, breathed his last before the following dawn.

 They are the STARS at Thrissur Pooram. 

Thiruvattar Adikesavan

Adikesavan, a magnificent elephant captured in war by King Marthanda Varma, became a symbol of both royal power and devotion. At the young age of 25, he was entrusted to Azhakappa Pillai, a dedicated mahout who served Lord Adikesava Perumal, the deity of Thiruvattar temple.

By royal decree, Azhakappa Pillai would present Adikesavan before King Marthanda Varma every month on the 15th. The king, an early riser, took great delight in watching his beloved elephant bathed in the soft light of dawn.

In 1758 when King Marthanda Varma passed away, the new king, Rama Varma, unaware of Adikesavan’s special connection, turned the elephant away on its usual visit. Confused and heartbroken, Adikesavan returned to Thiruvattar with Azhakappa Pillai on his back. 

Learning of the profound connection between Adikesavan and the late king, Rama Varma summoned the elephant and personally cared for him, recognising the deep bond.

For over six decades, Adikesavan and Azhakappa Pillai served the temple together, their bond growing ever stronger. However, time, the great equalizer, took its toll. Azhakappa Pillai passed away peacefully one morning. As the villagers prepared his pyre, a sombre realisation dawned. Just a few hours later, Adikesavan, as if unable to bear the separation, breathed his last. He was laid to rest beside his beloved mahout.

Sreekumari Ramachandran is a bilingual writer in the mainstream of writers based in Kerala. A trained dancer and an accomplished singer, she is an excellent orator and a columnist. She has served as the member of the Exe. Committee of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. She has also served as jury member of Kerala State Film Award Committee, Mathrubhumi-Medimix Film Award Committee and Filmfare Award Committee.

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal, 1-15 August 2024 issue. This article is courtesy and copyright Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. eSamskriti has obtained permission from Bhavan’s Journal to share. Do subscribe to the Bhavan’s Journal – it is very good.

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