Minister of income K. Rajan on Tuesday under Guruvayur Devaswom as part of the annual rejuvenation therapy fed herbal accessories for therapeutic care of elephants in Puruvayur Devaswom. | Photo Credit: Kk Najeeb
The annual rejuvenation therapy of elephants under Guruvayur Devaswom began on Tuesday in Sanctuary in Punnathur Kott Elephant Sanctuary.
Minister of income K. Rajan formally inaugurated the monthly wellness program by feeding medicinal rice balls (Ooushadha Choor) at Tuskers Vinayakan and Junior Vishnu. This initiative aimed at promoting the health and vitality of the elephants of the temple continues to all elephants who receive similar treatment.
The event was chaired by the chairman of Guruvayur Devaswom Dr. VK Vijayan, with the main guest MLA NK Akbar.
35 years of wellness
Guruvayur Devaswom has been performing this scientific wellness regime for over 35 years. Although the practice existed during the Žorin era, it was formally structured into a scientific program at the age of 90. Therapy includes specially prepared herbal and nutritional food, physical exercises and Ayurvedic treatments adapted to the specific state of each elephant.
Blood and manure samples are collected for laboratory tests to assess the function of liver and kidney and administered drugs before therapy. The regime also includes regular massages and bathing rituals. A team of veterinary experts, including Dr. PB Giridas TS Rajeev Mn Devan Namboothiri and Dr. K. Vivek, oversees the program.
Veterinary specialists have seen a significant health improvement in therapy, with visible changes in skin condition and weight gain up to 300 kg in some cases. According to Devaswom sources, the Guruvayur model is now considered a measure in the care of elephants and wellness.
Therapy
Estimated costs of this year’s therapy are 12.5 GBP Lakh, which cover the needs of 36 elephants. The key ingredients include 3.240 kg of rice, 1,080 kg, each of the green gram and the finger (ragi), 108 kg each turmeric and ashtachoornam, 270 kg of Chyvanaprasam, along with minerals and cleaning herbal formulations.
Published – 1 July 2025 20:57
