Kollur temple elephant ‘Indira’ laid to rest

Team Udayavani, Aug 15, 2019, 12:32 PM IST

Kollur: In the backdrop of the demise of Mookambika temple elephant Indira due to ill-health on Aug 13^th, shops in Kollur area closed down their shutters as sign of pain on Wednesday.

The elephant which was grown with much love and affection had been donated to the temple by a businessman from Balehonnuru around 22 years ago. The elephant used to accept bananas and bless all devotees with its trunk.

Separated from its companion

Several years ago, another elephant was domesticated as a companion for Indira but its unruly behavior of the new elephant could not be contained and the temple committee decided to send it to Sakrebail. Indira, which used to welcome devotes at the temple doors was shifted to near the parking area at Mookambika hall. Recently, she was shifted to Kalyani hill where she was being taken care of by the mahout Babu.

What happened to indira?

The 62-year-old Indira was suffering from fever since the last 3 days and a veterinarian from Sakrebail had been brought to diagnosis and medication. However, the medication failed to prove fruitful and the giant animal died on night of Aug 13^th.

Inspection by Forest officer

Forest officers from Kundapur and Kollur and officials from the wild life division arrived to Kollur and gathered complete information regarding the death of the animal. They collected complete information on if the animal had died due to disease or some other reason.

Final rites after autopsy

A team of veterinary doctors from Sakrebail conducted the autopsy of the animal which lasted for a whole 6 hours after which Indira was released for cremation. After the Gaja Puja at the temple, religious rites were performed. A 15 feet deep pit was dug up in which the elephant was laid, ghee and sandalwood were added and the final rites were performed.

Villagers weep

As soon as the villagers got news of the demise of the elephant, the locals and devotees rushed to the temple and tearful remembering the animals good old days.

Police bandobast

Police bandobast was implemented under the leadership of senior police officials in the vicinity of Kollur area and at Kalyani hill where the final rites were performed.