Elephant Guruvayur Gopikannan dies 

Guruvayur Devaswom’s elephant Gopikannan died in the early hours of Friday. According to Devaswom records, the elephant was 51 years old.

Gopikannan, who had been under musth for the past two months, suddenly collapsed around 4.10 a.m. at his tethering post. Though he had shown no signs of illness, a slight abdominal swelling, resembling gas build-up, was noticed by veterinarians on Thursday. The elephant passed dung later in the evening, offering some hope.

Originally from Assam, Gopikannan was offered to the temple by businessman Gopu Nandilath Gopu in September 2001. With calm behaviour and striking physical features, he soon became one of Guruvayur’s star tuskers. He regularly participated in the temple’s daily rituals, including Sheeveli and Vilakku.

Gopikannan was a nine-time winner of the prestigious Aanayottam (elephant race) and had led key events such as Pallivetta and Arat during the Guruvayur festival.

Published - May 30, 2025 09:34 pm IST