A Beloved Icon is Gone
MYSORE (India): Arjuna, the beloved Dasara elephant who carried the Golden Howdah for seven consecutive years, has passed away. The 44-year-old elephant was a gentle giant who played a crucial role in the vibrant Dasara celebrations in Mysore.
Arjuna’s passing is a loss not only to the city of Mysore but to the entire state of Karnataka. He was a symbol of strength, grace, and wisdom and was deeply revered by the people of Mysore.
Arjuna was born in 1968 in the forests of Kakanakote in the Western Ghats. He was captured in 1972 during a khedda operation and brought to the Mysore Dasara elephant camp.
Arjuna was known for his gentle nature and his ability to connect with people. He was also a skilled performer and was always a crowd-pleaser during the Dasara procession.
Arjuna’s death has left a void in the hearts of the people of Mysore. He was a beloved icon who will be deeply missed.
Tributes Pour In for Arjuna
People from all walks of life have paid their respects to Arjuna. Social media is flooded with tributes to the beloved elephant.
“Arjuna was more than just an elephant,” said one person on Twitter. “He was a symbol of Mysore and a source of pride for the city.”
“We will never forget Arjuna,” said another person. “He was a gentle giant who brought joy to the lives of millions of people.”
Some additional information about Dasara elephants are:
- Dasara elephants are an integral part of the Mysore Dasara festival, which is a 10-day celebration of the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology.
- The elephants form the core of the grand procession on the final day, called Vijayadashami, which marks the day when the goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura.
- The lead elephant carries the Golden Howdah, which is a 750-kg seat made of gold that houses an idol of Chamundeshwari. The Golden Howdah was first used in 1911 by the Wodeyar kings of Mysore.
- The elephants are selected based on their health, temperament, and experience. They undergo rigorous training and rehearsals for the procession. They are also given a royal feast and special care during their stay in Mysore.
- The elephants are usually brought from the Nagarahole National Park, where they live in the wild or in forest camps. They are greeted by villagers and officials along their journey to Mysore.
Arjuna’s Legacy
Arjuna’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the people of Mysore. He will be remembered as a beloved icon who played a crucial role in the city’s vibrant Dasara celebrations.
