Kollam witnessed an unusual political-religious irony after the name of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin appeared on the official offering list of the Pazhayidom Narasimhaswami Temple at Anayadi, ahead of its annual Gajamela (elephant fair).

According to temple records released for the 20 January 2026 festival, an elephant parade offering has been booked in Stalin’s name – an irony of ironies given his public rejection (as well as that of the party) of religious rituals and his party’s ‘rationalist ideology’ rooted in the Dravidian movement.

The offering, however, was not initiated by Stalin or the DMK. Temple authorities confirmed that it was sponsored by two of his ardent supporters – M Jayan, a Chennai-based welding worker, and his aunt Sulatha Chandran, a Tamil Nadu native residing in Anayadi. The duo reportedly pooled savings over several years to meet the ₹10,000 fee required for parading an elephant as a votive offering.

Temple officials said the pair had been making the booking annually since 2022, initially prompting scepticism from the temple committee. The registration was taken seriously only after the devotees appeared in person to remit the amount. This year’s notice gained wider attention after Stalin’s name appeared publicly in the festival booklet, leading to curiosity among locals and a surge in enquiries to the temple.

The offering was reportedly booked in the sixth slot, which the devotees believe symbolises prosperity. Temple president Chandrakumar stated that the viral attention stemmed largely from the contrast between Stalin’s political identity and the religious nature of the offering, adding that it was unlikely the Chief Minister himself was aware of it.

Speaking to the media, Sulatha reportedly acknowledged the ideological contradiction but maintained that their actions were driven purely by personal belief. She stated that while Stalin may not agree with religious practices, the prayers were intended for his health, longevity, and electoral success.

The duo has reportedly vowed to continue the offering for six consecutive years, with this year marking the fourth. Despite health challenges, Sulatha said the ritual would be carried out as planned, with Jayan travelling from Chennai to participate.

Source: OnManorama

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The Tamil Nadu government and the forest department are targeting exclusively on Hindu temples. Gadeshwara C Subramaniam, the state president of Hindu Munnani, criticizes the Tamil Nadu government for misleading devotees with the elephant route draft report.

He stated, “A deliberate scheme has been devised to cause issues for numerous temples in Tamil Nadu, including Marudhamalai and Velliangiri Hills. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has recently published a draft report identifying 42 elephant corridors in the state. According to the 2023 report, the elephant population is declining in 20 forest divisions, including five elephant reserves — Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Anamalai, Agastya Malai, and Srivilliputtur. This scheme, purportedly aimed at concealing elephant corridors, is actually intended to obstruct devotees’ access to many temples.”

His statement said, “For instance, the Sorimuthayanar temple en route to Agasthiyar in Tirunelveli district has come under the control of the forest department, leading to numerous restrictions on devotees’ entry. Similarly, in Coimbatore district, temples situated along the forest trails, such as Veerakaliamman temple, Kodiveli Amman, and Badrakali Amman, face significant restrictions. The forest department imposes strict limitations on devotees’ access to temples like Poondi and Velliangiri. However, it’s worth noting that elephant corridors have existed for ages in the same area where the disputed Karunya Institute is located. Despite this, due to the intervention of the DMK government, which claims its origin from Christian alms, neither the forest department nor the Tamil Nadu government has taken any action. On the contrary, they continue to criticize the Isha Center, which is involved in environmental awareness and spiritual work.”

He added, “In the world-renowned Marudhamalai temple, the elephant corridor is being exploited to inconvenience devotees. This situation necessitates an understanding of historical context. The DMK government remained silent when Christians openly declared their intention to convert Chennimalai into a Christian hill. There is a fear that the DMK government may order the forest department to designate this temple as an elephant corridor, hindering worship at Marudhamalai. This temple is celebrated as the seventh abode of Lord Muruga by Muruga devotees in Kongu mandalam, and it attracts millions of devotees who perform Kavadi and worship. Hindus should understand that if this is allowed, the DMK government will pose a threat to every Murugan temple.”

He accused, “Karunya college, located on the Kalkothi-Valayar elephant corridor, has deliberately concealed the damage caused to wild animals, including elephants. Spread over nearly 1,200 acres, Karunya does fall within the elephant corridor. However, it is only the temples that Hindus have been visiting for centuries that are being designated as part of the elephant corridor. This raises questions about the justification of such actions. Is there a separate law for Hindus in Tamil Nadu? Is there a different set of rules for Christians?”

“For instance, since the DMK government came to power, hundreds of temples have been demolished without providing alternative places for devotees. Reasons such as road expansion, encroachment, and court verdicts are cited, yet the same actions are not taken against places of worship of other religions. Is the DMK government’s atheistic stance the reason behind this hatred towards Hindus?” he said.

He said, “The Tamil Nadu government should not accept the proposal for a new elephant corridor if it infringes upon the rights of Hindus under the guise of elephant protection. Similarly, if there are any obstacles to devotees’ entry at important temples like Marudhamalai and Poondi, Hindu Munnani will mobilize devotees and stage a massive demonstration.”

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The video of an elephant tearing up at the sight of the corpse of its mahout has melted hearts online. Pappan Omanachettan, who hails from Kottayam in Kerala, recently died due to sickness. During the funeral ceremony that had been organised to conduct his last rites, Gajaveeran Brahmadatta, the elephant that he was taking care of also participated. Upon seeing the corpse of its mahout, the elephant broke down and started tearing up.

The elephant was seen groaning in pain and went on to vigorously point its trunk at the corpse of its mahout, as a way of showing respect. Omanachettan had reportedly been taking care of Gajaveeran the elephant for about 25 years. Therefore, his demise had deeply affected the elephant.

It refused to move from the spot until the entire ceremony got over. The video of this incident has gone viral and is melting hearts online. This video is now being widely shared by the Twitterati, who have been deeply moved by this gesture of the elephant.

மறைந்த பாகனுக்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி செலுத்திய யானை – நெகிழ்ச்சி வீடியோ#Elephant | #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/I3AtJvp9yW

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) June 4, 2021

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A pilot initiative by Karnataka last month of having boxes of beehives in fences where there were high elephant trespassing instances proved to be highly effective in terms of frightening elephants and making them run away. This was launched under Project RE-HAB, which is expanded as Reducing Elephant – Human Attacks using Bees. This had cost ₹15 lakhs.

Following the success of this initiative, Karnataka’s forest officials (KVIC) had informed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari who had appreciated their efforts and pushed for the implementation of this project in other states as well.

“It has provided relief to farmers and is saving crops and precious lives. West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are major elephant–human conflict zones where KVIC is planning to implement Project RE-HAB in a phased manner,” he tweeted with a video of the initiative.

Congratulating @kvicindia for implementing innovative solution to reduce elephant-human interaction with Project RE-HAB.

The bees irritate the elephant and deter them. By putting up bee boxes on the periphery of forests, they have reduced elephant movement in human territory. pic.twitter.com/DaiMK1gSFU

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 8, 2021

Speaking about the success of this program, Banglu Venugopal, KVIC Nodal Officer in Madikeri, told Indianexpress.com that, “Farmers in the area were not aware that such a technique would work well initially. However, with the sudden dip in the frequency of elephants entering the area, this initiative has become the talk of the town. We are ready to share the science behind this with more people to help them develop this on their own as well.”

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Motorists and lorry drivers were thoroughly shaken by a wild elephant waiting for a sugarcane lorry at the Karappallam check post next to Sathyamangalam. This has caused them to think twice before venturing into the area.

Elephants are abundant in the Asanur forest next to Satyamangalam. They often cross the road on the Asanur Road area, which is the main route between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in search of fodder and water. Some elephants wander on the road waiting for sugarcane trucks, as the lorries loaded with sugarcane from Karnataka pass by on this route. The elephants have become accustomed to eating the pieces of sugarcane thrown on the road due to the heavy load. One of the lone elephants has been found coming to the Karapallam check post every day, waiting for the trucks bearing the sweet treat.

Due to this, motorists and lorry drivers venture in fear as the elephant stands near the barrier wire set up to control the truck loading. The tusker has now gotten accustomed to looking at vehicles and stands still without bothering the passersby. Motorists, however, move with fear. The male elephant that arrived at the checkpoint on Monday had been waiting for a long time for the cane truck. Motorists who saw the elephant stopped. Forest rangers then advised motorists to continue as the elephant was standing without causing any disturbance.

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Lakshmi, the elephant who was displaced from Manakula Vinayagar temple by PETA, has returned to her home in Manakula Vinyagar Temple in Puducherry.

Lakshmi had become synonymous with Puducherry and is considered as an integral part of the Puducherry people.

Lakshmi was taken away from her home by PETA and the Animal Welfare Board, following accusations of mistreating her. They also booked the temple board under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Maneka Gandhi was also involved in this and had requested a safe or location for Lakshmi. This resulted in her forcible removal to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, where her health had started deteriorating. Following this, the Forest department was ordered by Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy to return Lakshmi to the temple.

Attempt to oust the temple elephant Lakshmi

Last month there was a massive conspiracy to oust the temple elephant Lakshmi from the temple. The forest department had decided to keep the temple elephant at the Kamaraj Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet for 15 days. But the BJP and other Hindu organizations jumped into protest, claiming that PETA and other dubious elements are behind the act. BJP leader from Puducherry PS. Ganeshan had alleged that PETA was behind targeting the elephant to be taken from the temple. He also alleged that there is a massive conspiracy to remove temple elephants from temples across South India. He even went on a hunger strike to save Lakshmi from PETA.

Elephant Lakshmi has only known extreme loneliness and pain for two decades.

YOU CAN HELP her get the freedom she deserves:https://t.co/JHDZDcMZBY pic.twitter.com/97gwnspQ8R

— PETA India (@PetaIndia) June 27, 2020

Lakshmi was taken away unethically and illegally

Ajit Datta, co-founder of Republic Lit Fest, Editor of TFI Post and a resident of Puducherry said that the manner in which Lakshmi was taken away seemed completely unethical and illegal. He said that the Forest Department picked her up on the grounds that the temple failed to furnish the health records of Lakshmi. However, it is the Animal Husbandry Department’s job to maintain the records. He went on to say in his Twitter post that nobody from Animal Husbandry Department was consulted and that the Forest Department failed to take the opinions of veterinarians. It seems that the mahouts were also threatened with consequences if they didn’t let Lakshmi go.

Despite PETA’s claim of ill treatment and the elephant carrying injuries in foot, Lakshmi was made to walk 10 kms to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus on tar road. In the centre she has been facing much more agony with scanty food and water and no proper shelter. A fishnet is being used to protect her. On her first night at the temporary shelter, she was almost bitten by a snake.

On June 25, it was reported in a Tamil newspaper that Lakshmi was struggling for life at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. She hasn’t slept for days due to the physical and mental trauma she has been put through at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

United Protests

Lakshmi’s plight invited people from different sections to put a united front to save Lakshmi. Prominent personalities, activities and leader continued to speak out and campaigned for saving Lakshmi from PETA. Hindu Makkal Katchi’s leader Arjun Sampath was also instrumental in this campaign.

https://twitter.com/rawincare1/status/1281252483696701441

Thread on Lakshmi the elephant

Lakshmi, the temple elephant, came to Pondicherry in 1997, a year after I was born. She lived down the road from us. The Manakular Vinayagam temple, barely a few hundred metres from home, is where she spent the day.

1/n

— Ajit Datta (@ajitdatta) June 9, 2020

Congress’ help

Realizing PETA’s involvement to separate Lakshmi from the temple permanently, the Congress party extended a helping hand in the process of bringing Lakshmi back to the temple. Americai V. Narayanan of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee made efforts to save Lakshmi from PETA.

Request @CMPuducherry to move detained temple elephant #lakshmi from a private insecure person based on the Trisha from @Manekagandhibjp to a nearby HINDU temple, the proper place is made available for her. @INCPuducherry @LakshmiINC @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @SanjaySDutt https://t.co/m6vYWGopZB

— Americai V Narayanan 'அமெரிக்கை' வி நாராயணன் (@americai) July 10, 2020

Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasamy apprised of the matter issued an order to send the temple elephant Lakshmi back to the temple. He also ordered the temple administration to take care of the temple elephant.

We got our lakshmi back.

The official order of CMO Puducherry.

Thank you all the Dharmics.

This was your fight and you won't it. pic.twitter.com/cvC1VZ8R0R

— Indu Makkal Katchi (off) (@Indumakalktchi) July 16, 2020

Lakshmi’s return home

Following this, Lakshmi was brought back to the Puducherry Manakkula Vinayagar Temple from the Kamaraj Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet.

She was accorded a jubilant welcome with people rejoicing her return. Lakshmi upon entering the temple can be trumpeting with joy.

https://twitter.com/rawincare1/status/1284401707795939333

Puducherry BJP functionary P.S. Ganesh bowed to Lakshmi and received Lakshmi’s blessings and welcomed her to Puducherry. Large crowd of Hindus gathered and welcomed Lakshmi.

https://www.facebook.com/ganesh.pss.1/videos/993286937798232/

Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasamy also welcomed the temple elephant Lakshmi and received blessings from her.

Sri Manakular Vinayagar temple elephant 'Lakshmi' returned #Puducherry after undergoing treatment and rejuvenation for over a month on the suburban Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus.
A warm welcome given this morning at the temple entrance. pic.twitter.com/esn6uZ2I3X

— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) July 18, 2020

Once again, PETA was sent running helter-skelter.

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A fossil of an elephant was found from the Siwalik sediments exposed in the area of Badshahi Baug in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur.

The fossil is said to be five to eight million years old and is from the Dhok Pathan formation of Siwalik range.

VK Jain, Chief Conservator, Saharanpur told, “We have found a fossil of a stegodon, a variety of the elephant which used to be found at an early age. The fossil is from Dhok Pathan formation of Siwalik. The estimated age of the specimen may range from five to eight million years.” Jain stated the fossil was found a week before but only after verification from Wadia Institute they were able to declare the found specimen a relic.

He said, “We have consulted the Wadia Institute and a scientist told us that this fossil is a middle-age deposition. This is the first fossil of its kind and we would like to preserve the fossil and increase our research because if the fossil is found, there is a possibility that we would be able to find more too.” Jain further said, “It is a huge achievement for us and we would like to increase the number of scientists in the study to discover more fossils.”

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Akhtar Imam, from Janipur in Phulwari Sharif near Patna, Bihar has written a will of ₹5 crores to his home grown elephants as an token of love and respect to his pachyderms.

Akhtar had been taking care of the elephants – Moti and Rani since he was 12.

It was mentioned that one of his elephants saved his life from miscreants armed with pistols. He alleged that his own son connived with animal smugglers to kill him and sell the elephant. He says that he is still under threat from his family members after he transferred his land to his two elephants.

In order to take care of his elephants after his death he had written a will of ₹5 crores worth property to the elephants and the rest to his wife.

This incident comes in the wake of the brutal death of an elephant in Kerala.

Bihar: Akhtar Imam, an animal lover from Patna, gives his entire property to his two elephants Moti & Rani. He says, "Animals are faithful, unlike humans. I've worked for the conservation of elephants for many years. I don't want that after my death my elephants are orphaned". pic.twitter.com/W64jYsED33

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2020

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Puducherry BJP functionary PS Ganehsan alleges that PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) is ousting the elephant Lakshmi from Sri Manakkula Vinayakar Temple in Puducherry. The forest department has reportedly decided to keep the temple elephant Lakshmi at Kamarajar Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet for 15 days. Knowing this, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hindu Munnani functionaries went on to protest against this decision to move the temple elephant Lakshmi out of the temple. Following this, the Periyakadai police rushed to the spot and arrested them. However, the elephant has not been taken to the Agricultural Science Center.

Speaking to a Tamil news portal, PS Ganeshan had said, “The forest department officials have been trying to take Lakshmi out of the temple, claiming that the temple elephant has been injured in the leg. Subsequently, the police arrested me while I was doing a hunger strike at the Puducherry Shree Vedapureeswarar temple, where the elephant Lakshmi is being taken care of. Lakshmi can be given medication inside the temple complex. It is not necessary for Lakshmi to be taken to the Agricultural Science Center in the forest area.”

He further added that it will be difficult for Lakshmi to accommodate herself in the forest area, who has been living in the city for so many years. “We have received information that PETA is behind this. First they would remove the elephant from the temple, claiming to provide medication. Then they will permanently leave the elephant to the forest. This is what happened in Thiruparankundram as well. There is a massive conspiracy to remove elephants from temples across South India.”, said PS Ganeshan.

“After the hunger strike, the Forest Department officials are open for talks. They have assured that they will take this issue to the government and find a solution. After this I have temporarily suspended my hunger strike. If they think of moving the temple elephant Lakshmi again, we will again protest against it”, saids PS Ganeshan.

This issue comes within after the tragic killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala. On Friday, Kerala police arrested Wilson in connection with the Kerala elephant murder case. The police are on the lookout for Abdul Kareem and his son Riyazuddin who are believed to be absconding.

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Coming after the recent incident, where a pregnant elephant died in Kerala after eating a fruit filled with explosives, sparking nationwide outrage, a video of a cow injured in similar manner has surfaces in social media. In the video shared by OpIndia, a man named Gurdiyal Singh claiming to be the owner of injured pregnant cow describes how the cow’s mouth was injured after a person named Nandlal fed her explosives.

The cow can be seen having a severely injured mouth with blood oozing out.

The date and exact place of the incident is yet to be ascertained. However, the video has gone viral on social media considering that it has stark resemblance to the way the pregnant elephant in Kerala was murdered.

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