Heartfelt farewell: Mahouts bid a tearful adieu to their beloved Arjuna

Team Udayavani, Dec 6, 2023, 10:29 AM IST

Sakaleshpur: The air in Sakaleshpur resonated with poignant cries as mahouts bid a tearful adieu to Arjuna, the majestic elephant whose life was tragically cut short during an operation to capture a wild tusker in Yasalur taluk.

In a heartrending scene, the heartbroken mahouts whispered, “Wake up king, I have come… I have made food for you… Let’s go home,” their words echoing through the serene surroundings as they wept before Arjuna’s lifeless carcass.

Arjuna, a revered icon for carrying the howdah of mother Chamundeshwari during Mysore Dasara, was mourned by thousands as his final rites unfolded at the somber site of his untimely passing.

The mahouts, who had cultivated a deep bond with Arjuna, embraced the gentle giant with tears streaming down their faces, reflecting on the affectionate lessons and cherished memories they had shared. The profound loss of Arjuna reverberated deeply among the Kavadigas, caretakers who had nurtured him with love, leaving them grief-stricken and drawing parallels to losing a beloved child.

Vinu, overcome with devastation, passionately pleaded to save Arjuna or allow him to accompany the elephant on his final journey. Vinu’s tears mirrored the collective sorrow of the crowd witnessing Arjuna’s lifeless form.

The solemn ceremony for Arjuna’s final rites drew thousands and was graced by Prahlad Joshi, who had once honored the majestic elephant during Mysore Dasara celebrations. Arjuna was accorded state honors and laid to rest amidst heartfelt tributes, with police forces offering a poignant three-round salute.

However, tensions flared as locals contested the decision to cremate Arjuna in the forest area, suggesting a memorial in the nearby Daballi village or along a road. Police intervention averted further escalation during the emotional verbal confrontation.

The departure of Arjuna leaves a void in the hearts of Sakaleshpur, a community that cherished the majestic presence of this beloved elephant.