News Tamil Nadu

Subbulakshmi And Gandhimathi: 2 Tamil Nadu Temple Elephants Dead In A Span Of 4 Months

January 13, 2025
The Commune

In a tragic incident, Gandhimathi, the 56-year-old temple elephant of the renowned Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli, passed away on 12 January 2025 after battling prolonged health issues. The elephant had been suffering from age-related ailments, particularly severe joint pain. Minister for Municipal Administration KN Nehru, District Collector Dr KP Karthikeyan, MLA Abdul Wahab, and Tirunelveli Corporation Mayor G Ramakrishnan paid their respects to the beloved female elephant.

Gandhimathi had been brought to the temple in 1985 with contributions from generous donors. In recent years, her health had declined due to old age, and despite ongoing treatment, her condition worsened last month. Sources indicated that she had been unable to lie down to sleep in recent days, resorting to standing while resting.

On 11 January 2025, Gandhimathi attempted to lie down but was unable to rise again. Veterinarians and heavy cranes were quickly deployed to help lift and support her. Though she briefly stood, she collapsed again. Despite extensive medical efforts, Gandhimathi passed away early Sunday morning. Special rituals were conducted, and devotees were given the opportunity to pay their final respects.

Gandhimathi was laid to rest near the temple, and her death has left the local community in mourning. As an integral part of the temple’s daily rituals for decades, her loss is deeply felt by devotees.

Demise of Elephant Subbulakshmi – Kunnakudi Shanmughanathar Temple

Previously, Subbulakshmi, an elephant who had been a cherished resident of the Kunnakudi Shanmughanathar temple in Karaikudi for over 30 years, tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in a fire. The Elephant Mandapam, located near the temple’s stairway, had a palm leaf roof that covered the tin sheet structure designed to shield the elephant from the sun. On the night of 12 September 2024, a fire broke out in this makeshift shed, reportedly caused by an electrical malfunction.

In an attempt to escape the flames, Subbulakshmi managed to exit the hall on her own. The temple staff and visitors quickly noticed the injured elephant and alerted the temple administration. Police, forest officials, and veterinarians from across Tamil Nadu arrived to provide immediate care. Despite their best efforts, Subbulakshmi succumbed to her injuries. Kunnakudi Ponnambala Adigalar and the temple community expressed their grief and paid their respects following her passing. The loss of the cherished elephant has left the local community and devotees deeply saddened.

Critics have blamed both the Adheenam and the HR&CE for Subbulakshmi’s untimely death. They pointed out that the elephant was tied with chains, which may have prevented her from escaping the fire, making the temple authorities and the government department responsible. Despite significant income generated through public donations, it is alleged that the funds were not properly utilized for the elephant’s care or safety. Notably, the Kunnakudi Adheenam has often praised the Dravidian model of governance under the DMK, raising further questions about how the elephant was confined in a metal shed with chains. Given that the roof was thatched, critics argue that it was common sense to recognize the danger of a fire, which made it nearly impossible for the elephant to escape or survive.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.