Guruvayoor Pathbnaban

Guruvayoor Pathbnaban

Alternate Name: Pappan

District: Thrissur

Age: 67

Height :298CM

Owner: Guruvayoor Devaswam

Features

Vayukumbham (Forehead bump) – Broad and projects forwards.

Majestic Look – Raised head and low back.

Large Ears – During fanning produces a loud flapping sound and adds to the beauty of the elephant.

The Tusk – Evenly separated tusks with the color of butter or sandalwood and without scraps.

The Trunk – Fleshy and long trunk that trails into the ground even if it's head is held high.

Tail – Straight and long tail that touches the ankle and not the ground. The end of the tail is with ample hair.  

He fires the enthusiasm among the elephant lovers by the elegant beauty and the majestic look. The most popular elephant of Kerala owned by Guruvayoor Devaswom. He has the privilege to carry the 'golden thidambu' of Lord Guruvayoorappa during 'Ekadasi Vilakku'and 'Arattu Ezhunnallippu' since 1962. People had a strong belief that he had the blessings of Lord Guruvayoorappa. He has been considered as the rebirth of 'Eiravatha' the elephant of King Indra. So his presence attracts the elephant lovers and devotees. He has all the auspicious signs of the elephant explained in 'Mathangaleela' -a book about the elephants. He is also known for the calm and obedient behavior and has never run amok during a festival.

In all festivities and processions he will carry the 'thidambu' the idol of the god and thus he will be the key attraction of the people. He is a valuable star among the elephants of Guruvayoor elephant sanctuary. He holds the record of for bagging the highest fee ('ekkam') of Rs.2,22,222/- for participating one day procession at Nenmara-Vallangi Vela in April 2004.He was caught from the Nilambur forest He was presented to the (nadakkiruthal) Guruvayoor temple by E.P.Brothers (Ottappalam Kerandathu Puthenveettil Achuthan Nair, Madhavan Nair) of Ottapplam in the year 1954.