BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar has mourned the death of Gaja Kausthubham Pallatt Brahmadathan, the popular elephant closely associated with Kerala’s temple festivals and the Thrissur Pooram.

Taking to X on Tuesday, Chandrasekhar remembered Brahmadathan as a familiar presence at festivals across Kerala and highlighted his role in the Paramekkavu procession at Thrissur Pooram.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gaja Kausthubham Pallatt Brahmadathan,” Chandrasekhar wrote.

Brahmadathan died after being struck by lightning near Erattupetta in Kottayam on Sunday. The elephant was bathing near the house of its owner, Rajesh Pallattu, at Melampara when lightning struck amid rain. He died at the spot, and a veterinary doctor who reached the location confirmed his death, forest officials said.

For years, Brahmadathan had been a recognisable presence at temple festivals across Kerala. He also carried the deity’s idol during the night procession of Paramekkavu at the Thrissur Pooram, one of the state’s most prominent temple festivals.

Chandrasekhar's tribute focused on the place Brahmadathan had come to occupy in Kerala’s festival culture, particularly among devotees and elephant enthusiasts.

“For festival-goers and elephant lovers, he was much more than an elephant. He was a beloved part of our heritage,” he said.

Brahmadathan, aged around 45, stood 298 cm tall and had been brought to Kerala from Arunachal Pradesh around 25 years ago. Owned by Rajesh Pallattu, a native of Erattupetta, he became popular among elephant lovers and was a regular presence at temple festivals across the state.

Concluding his post, Chandrasekhar offered his condolences to Rajesh Pallattu, the Pallatt family and others mourning the elephant.

“My heartfelt condolences to Rajesh Pallatt, the Pallatt family, and everyone mourning this magnificent gentle giant. Om Shanti. Pranamam,” he wrote.