In Memoriam: Guruvayur Kesavan
The temple town of Guruvayur in Thrissur district of Kerala is a storyteller’s delight. The town which is home to several popular legends smells of faith in every nook and corner and stands at an interesting crossroad where myths intersect with history. An integral part of temples in Kerala are its elephants. Elephants are loved, revered, groomed and accorded their importance in the colourful cultural life in Kerala, since most temples in the state rear their own elephants. Guruvayur has its own Aana Kottaram (an elephant palace) where 57 elephants are reared. Many of these elephants are often donated by devotees and the elephants are cared for by way of offerings received at the main Guruvayur temple. The concrete statue of Kesavan standing tall Among all the elephants in Kerala, the most popular is undoubtedly Guruvayur Kesavan. He is perhaps the most famous and celebrated elephants of Kerala. He was donated by the Valiya Raja of Nilambur when he was 10 in 1916 in fulf...