Beloved temple elephant Perunna Sreevalli dies in Changanassery

Changanassery: Perunna Sreevalli, the revered temple elephant of the Perunna Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, passed away on Thursday morning.

Sreevalli was dedicated to the temple on October 28, 1976, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Skanda Sashti. She was offered to the shrine by Kamalasanan of Chirayil House in Puzhavathu, an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga.

At the time, Sreevalli was acquired for ₹20,000 through an auction held at the Konni elephant camp. Raised under the affectionate care of devotees and local residents, she was fondly known throughout the region as 'Valliyamma'.

For decades, Sreevalli held the exclusive privilege of carrying the ceremonial idol (thidambu) of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy on the eighth day of the annual Perunna temple festival—an honour reserved solely for her regardless of how many tuskers were lined up for the procession. She was also a regular presence at several other prominent temple festivals across Kerala.

Hailed as the pride of both the temple and the local community, Sreevalli was previously honoured with the title 'Shanmukhapriya Gajarani' by the Devaswom board and residents.

Following public homage, the elephant's mortal remains will be cremated with official honours in accordance with the directives of the Forest Department and the Devaswom board.