Temple elephant to be handed over to Forest Department
The elephant of the Samayapuram Mariamman temple will be handed over to the Forest Department. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department has issued an order to shift the pachyderm immediately. The 19-year old male elephant, Mariappan, has often been turning restive for the past couple of years causing anxiety to temple officials and devotees. Officials have arrived at the decision in consultation with veterinary experts from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and local veterinary assistants.