Temple elephants

Temple elephants are a type of captive elephant. Temple elephants are usually wild animals, poached from the forests of North East India from wild herds at a young age and then sold into captivity to temples and other private buyers. These elephants form a vital part of the socio-economic framework 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.

The largest elephant farm in India is Punnathurkotta of the temple of Guruvayur; it has about 59 captive elephants; it currently houses 58 captive elephants, of which 53 are adult males and 5 are females.

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.

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