ELEPHANT RACE GURUVAYOOR

GURUVAYOORELEPHANT RACE

Guruvayur temple in Kerala is known for the some of the unique rituals annually performed there. Some of these are not found in any other temple in India. Elephant Race (Anayottam) is held once in a year in which all the acclaimed elephants run for a place in the sun; that no other animal can dream of; ten days stay inside a holy temple with all that it can wish like sumptuous food, respect from devotees etc as perquisites.

ELEPHANT FEAST

He (the winner tusker can stay inside the temple compound for the next ten days that proceed that day; his favorite foods like palm leaves, cooked rice, molasses etc are served in plenty. His bathing and ablutions all can be performed in the temple compound itself! He becomes of the cynosure of the devotees who flock to the festivals. These facilities are considered perquisites offered to the winner by Lord Krishna himself– the beloved deity of Guruvayur temple.

I dedicate this show to our friend Graham Bennett who has

sent me the photographs of Guruvayoor Elephant Race

thankachan.vp@gmail.com