Temple elephant

Temple elephants are a type of captive elephant. These 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 80,000; of this, about 700 odd are captive 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 Punnathurkotta of the temple of Guruvayur; it has about 59 captive elephants.

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.
Elephants standing during Thrissur pooram festival in Kerala state of south India.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.
Caparisoned elephants during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival.