Keralam: Popular temple elephant Perunna Sreevalli dies after prolonged illness

Kottayam (Keralam) | Popular temple elephant Sreevalli, belonging to the Perunna Subrahmanya Temple, died of age-related ailments at Changanassery on Thursday, authorities said.

Sreevalli, who had been undergoing treatment for various ailments for the past month, breathed her last this morning, they said.

She was brought to the temple in October 1976 after being purchased at an auction conducted by the Forest Department at its Konni elephant camp.

She regularly carried the 'thidambu' (ceremonial idol) during the temple's annual festival.

Affectionately known as 'Valliyamma' among devotees because of her physical features, Sreevalli was a familiar presence at festivals across central Keralam and had won several titles, temple authorities said.

Her mortal remains will be kept for public homage before being laid to rest following the completion of the necessary formalities with the Forest Department, they added.