Elephant Balarama, who carried the golden howdah 13 times, no more

Elephant Balarama, who had carried the golden howdah during Mysuru Dasara on 13 occasions died after a brief illness at Bheemanakatte Elephant camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Forest near Hunsur on Sunday.

The 69-year-old elephant has reportedly been suffering from a mouth ulcer for the past ten days.

Balarama was one of the star attraction when he carried on his back the sacred idol of goddess in the 800 kilograms golden ambari on the auspicious 10th day of Dasara celebrations. Balarama was always known for his demeanour and calmness at all times.

He was known as a gentle, mild-tempered and an introvert, unlike other rogue elephants. He has a Wikipedia entry and even a book on him, titled Balarama: A Royal Elephant, which is written and illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin.

Notably, Balarama shot at by a farmer with a country gun last year but the pellets only bruised the aging tusker and it escaped with minor injuries. He recovered fast with the timely help by forest Veterinarians.

Balarama's journey

Balarama was captured in 1987 in the Kattepura forest near Somwarpet in the Kodagu region of Karnataka. He became a part of the world-famous Dasara jumbos in the late 1990s. The gentle giant took the responsibility of carrying the golden howdah and had no problem when he had to practice vigorously for over a month. Carrying the 750 kgs golden ambari, Balarama performed his duty elegantly. Balarama retired after 13 years of service as howdah elephant.