MY FRIEND VELLAIAMMAL

VELLAIAMMAL MY DEAR-RIP

(BRIHAT TEMPLE AT NIGHT)

(VELLAIAMMAL BLESSING ME)

Vellaiammal, the elephant of the Thanjavur Brahadeeswara 

Temple (Big Temple), died  at the age of 65 years.

Vellaimmal was donated to the Big Temple by veteran actor 

Sivaji Ganesan  when she was 4 years old.

Whenever I visited SASTRA, I made it a point to pay obeisance at the Brihat temple.It is a standing monument of  rich Tamil culture. The architecture is simply out of this world.

Every time as I would seek entry into the main gate, there was a warm welcome by dear friend Vellaimmal.She would put a garland on my neck & bless me by putting the tip of her trunk on my head. She acted like a mother and you could hug her & even talk to her.Her eyes conveyed her unconditioned love.I used to fed her a few bananas. She used to be happy.Her happiness & love was conveyed by her mighty head shake with her trunk curled up.She was majestic & imposing !

The 'mahaout' told me that for  the last 10 years or so, Vellaiammal slept  in a standing position as she had developed  arthritis on her right leg. On one night, she slept lying down probably due to lapse of memory. Very early next day, when the 'mahout' visited her shed, Vellaiammal continued to stay in the same position. She,however, did make efforts to get up.

Immediately the  veterinarians were called who tried to revive her and also make her get up but efforts failed and she started gasping. Her end came after a few hours.

The final rites of dear Vellaiammal  were solemnized behind her shed.

Vellaimmal is no more but her legacy  shall continue for ever.

Elephant Intelligence

Elephants continue to fascinate both scientists and general observers alike. They are recognized as being among the most intelligent creatures on earth. In fact, some enthusiasts believe that their intelligence rivals that of human beings. Aristotle even said of elephants: “The beast which passeth all others in wit and mind”.