Jumbo tales of Punnathur Kotta
| Last Updated: February 28, 2013 at 8:43 PMThink Kerala festivals and images of caparisoned elephants comes to mind. Hardly surprising! As most temple festivals in God’s Own Country are jumbo affairs and quite literally.
From Thrissur Pooram (April-May) to Paripally Gajamela, the parade of the pachyderms is the highlight of the temple festival experience. It is hardly surprising then that movies and TV shows have been made in Kerala based on the temple elephants.
Among the temples of Kerala, Guruvayur temple in Thrissur district has the distinction of owning the largest number of elephants. Ritual offerings made by devotees to Lord Krishna, the elephants are housed at Punnathur Kotta.
The only one of its kind in the world, the elephant camp is home to more than 60 elephants. No wonder then that the home to the jumbos is also called Anakkotta or elephant fort.
Punnathur Kotta is situated at a distance of three km from the Guruvayur Temple. Visitors are allowed between 8.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Elephant Fort
Once the palace of a local ruler, Punnathur Kotta is now used to house elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple.
Jumbo Sanctuary
One of its kind in the world, the elephant sanctuary houses as many as 60 elephants.
God's Gift
The elephants at Punnathur are gifts by devotees to Lord Krishna, the presiding deity of Guruvayur.
Simply Majestic
As a rule only bulls are allowed to participate in the festival and carry the idols.
Training School
Punnathur is also a training ground for the elephants to serve in the temple and participate in festivals
Man and the beast
Not only the elephants, but the mahouts are also trained to handle the elephants.
Elephant Tales
Many elephants of Punnathur Kotta have become legends and a statue of one has been erected at Guruvayur.
First Published: February 28, 2013 at 8:40 PM
