Temple elephant to be handed over to Forests Dept

Tiruchirapalli, June 4 (UNI) An elephant belonging to the Samayapuram Shri Mariamman temple at Samayapuram near here would be handed over to the Forests Department, according to temple sources.

The 19-year-old male elephant, Mariappan, had been turning restive often for the past couple of years, causing anxiety to temple officials and devotees.

The temple officials, after consultation with veterinary experts from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, decided to hand over the elephant.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department issued an order to shift the elephant immediately and the pachyderm would be handed over by the month end, the sources added.

UNI RV SJ 2016