Sabarimala’s Thidambu-Bearer Gajaratnam Manikandan Dies at Omallur Temple
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM, Gajaratnam Omallur Manikandan, a 55-year-old elephant under the care of the Omallur Rakthakanta Swamy Temple Devaswom Board, passed away on the temple premises.
The elephant had been in declining health for the past month. Following concerns raised by local residents and elephant welfare groups, the Travancore Devaswom Board arranged for expert veterinary care from specialists in Thrissur and Ernakulam. Despite these efforts, Manikandan's condition deteriorated significantly over the past two days. On Tuesday, an attempt was made to lift the elephant using a crane to aid in treatment, but it was unsuccessful.
Previously owned by renowned film actor K.R. Vijaya, the elephant was gifted to the Sabarimala Temple, where it was named Manikandan by the then Sabarimala Tantri. Affectionately known as Gajaraja, Manikandan served for many years, carrying the sacred thidambu at Sabarimala Sannidhanam.