Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (GA)

Sullia, May 13: Indumati, the elephant of famous Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple near here passed away in Subrahmanya on Monday May 12 night.

'Indumati' was indeed a crowd-puller and was attracting devotees in large number with her loving mannerisms. The 50-year-old elephant had been in the service of the famous temple for long. She was the most popular elephant among the devotees even after the arrival of ‘Yashaswi’, another young elephant which is serving Subrahmanya temple at present.

Indumati used kneel down and even prostrated itself in devotion and adoration, received Gajalakshmi puja offered by devotees. More than these, she used to be the special attraction during almost all the celebrations of the temple. She was the leader of the devotees during special pujas, processions etc. For all the children who came to the temple, 'Indumati' was always a special attraction. Owing to her mild nature and soft mannerisms, children hardly had any problem in approaching Indumati. Accordingly her death has come as a big shock to everybody, including the temple staff who had a very cordial relationship with Indumati for long.

She had been suffering after injuring her leg some five years ago. There were some complaints that she was being neglected a bit after the arrival of young ‘Yashaswi’'. On Monday morning her care-taker found that she was ailing and finding difficult even to get up.  Though veterinary doctor was summoned from Sakleshpur almost immediately by the temple administration, she breathed her last before he arrived. Hundreds of devotees gathered around her and were praying for her recovery during her final hours.  But all their prayers, wishes went in vain, as Indumati breathed her last around 12.30 am on Tuesday.