Temple elephant

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A decorated temple elephant at the Kamakshi Amman temple, Kanchipuram.

Temple elephants are a vital part of many temple ceremonies and festivals in India, particularly in South India. Many major temples own elephants; others hire or are donated elephants during the festive seasons. It is estimated that India has an elephant population of about 18,000; of this, about 550 are domesticated elephants that live in Kerala, the southern Indian state. The Indian elephant population has actually decreased from around 100,000 at the early part of the 20th century; widespread poaching of adult male elephants for ivory has wiped out entire herds, leading to trauma among the younger elephants.

The largest elephant farm in India is located in Guruvayoor in Kerala. This farm, attached to the main temple in Guruvayoor, has about four dozen domesticated elephants.

[edit] Gallery on elephants

The temple elephant carries the idol of the Lord of Virupaxa. The procession goes around to receive the offerings from the devotees. Location Hampi, Karnataka.	The colored umbrellas and peacock quill decorated fans used with caparisoned elephants.	An elephant carrying Thidambu during Thrissur Pooram festival, Kerala, south India.	An elephant saluting Vadakkunathan during Thrissur pooram.
Elephants standing during Thrissur pooram festival in Kerala state of south India.