Jayalalitha's Krishna

Krishna is a star in Punnathurkotta because she was offered by 'thalaivi' , former chief minister of Tamilnadu in 2001. Now he has 28 years. In 2004 he had won the 'aanayottam' conducted at Guruvayoor temple.

Earlier he was 'Kirangade Kannan' after she bought him she changed his name to Krishna. The ritual of offering an elephant to the temple is known as 'nadakkiruthal'. To offer an elephant to the Guruvayoor temple, clearance certificate from forest officials and veterinarians is a must. Besides the elephant we must give a fixed amount to the Devaswom for looking after it.

Jayaram's elephant love

Aanachantham

Guruvayoor Valiya Keshavan

The tallest among the 64 elephants of Punnathoor Kotta(308cm). Nakeri vasudevan Nambuthiri offered him to Sri Guruvayurappa on 2002 May 9th. He is from Bihar. He is considered as the successor of Gajaratnam Guruvayoor Padmanabhan. Formerly he was Nakeri Ayyappan Kutty.

Gajaratnam Guruvayoor Padmanabhan

Guruvayur Padmanabhan is the elephant of Sri Guruvayurappa. His divinity and his magnetic appeal makes him the god's own elephant . According to elephant craze people of Kerala he is one of the auspicious elephant with all the signs.He is from Nilambur forests. Erandathu Puthenveettil Achuthan nair and Madhavan nair, known as E P Brothers offered him to Sri Guruvayurappa. Then he was 14 years old. Now he is crossing his 70s.
In 2004 he got 'Gajaratnam' from Guruvayoor Devaswom Board. Now he is 'Gajaratnam Guruvayoor Padmanabhan'. Elephant lovers associations and temples honoured him several times. For festivals he is always considered as the 'Ezhunnellippana'. The elephant who carries the idol of chief diety is known as 'Ezhunnellippana'. Some of his peers have more 'Thalappokkam' than him then also he is considered as the leader because of his calm nature and he is also the successor of the legend Sri Guruvayoor Keshavan.
Guruvayoor Padmanabhan Pictures
Elephant facts

Guruvayoor Keshavan

Another film is in progress based on the life of the legendary elepphant Guruvayoor Keshavan. It is based on the novel named 'Guruvayoor Keshavan' written by Puthoor Unnikrishnan. Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran is acting as Guruvayoor Keshavan. It is a great honour to him to be a part of the story of his ancestor. Chirayckal gopi, a young tusker of Kerala is doing the younger stages of Guruvayoor Keshavan.
Surya TV is telecasting a serial based on his legendary life. This may be the first one of its kind in India. 'Gajarajan Guruvayoor Keshavan' is the title of this serial.
Guruvayoor Keshavan
Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran

mozha elephants at Punnathur Kotta

Mozha elephants-Tuskless male elephants are called mozha elephants. There are two mozha elephants at Punnathur kotta. Guruvayur Balakrishnan and Guruvayur Junior Lakshmanan. These elephants have less demand compared to tuskers in festive seasons. So they are more healthy than other members. E4 elephant the program in Kairali TV is an excellent one giving a close look to the kerala captive elephants.

'Aanayottam' (Elephant race)

The most famous Aanayottam is conducted at the Guruvayur temple during the Utsavam. This will start from 'Manjulalthara'(Big banyan tree in the eastern entrance). The race ends at the flag post. During the race the elephants have to run 7 times around the temple. The elephant who wins will have the right to take the idol of Sri Guruvayurappa during the procession.
Legend behind the Aanayottam

http://www.elephant-kerala.com/