Elony Gopikannan of Guruvayur Devaswom, who died on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Guruvayur Devaswom Elephant Gopikannan died on the first Friday hours. According to Revaswom records, the elephant was 51 years old.
Gopikannan, who has been under Musth over the last two months, suddenly collapsed around 4.10 in his tethering column. Although he did not show any signs of the disease, on Thursday veterinarians recorded slight swelling of the abdomen, reminiscent of gas accumulation. The elephant passed the droppings later in the evening and offered some hope.
Gopikannan, originally from Assam, was offered in September 2001 by the GOP temple Nandilath GoPu. With calm behavior and impacting physical features, he soon became one of the Gurvayur’s star Tuskers. He regularly participated in the daily rituals of the temple, including Sheeveli and Vilak.
Gopikannan was a nine -time winner of the prestigious Aanayott (Elephant Race) and led key events such as Pallivetta and Arat during the Guruvayur festival.
Published – May 30, 2025 9:34
