Punnathur Kotta's population drop carves out a 'jumbo'-sized concern

With no new elephants offered for 'nadayiruthal' for years, their numbers have declined

- GOPIKA VARRIER @Thrissur

With large trees of different varieties providing essential shade, sufficient availability of water and vast open spaces, Punnathur Kotta is an ideal spot for Guruvayoorappan's gentle giants. Yet, despite the conducive environment, the number of elephants being managed here has been declining with each passing year. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it housed 63 pachyderms. Now, Asia's once largest elephant sanctuary has 36.

This shrinking number has both elephant fans and devotees concerned. From the earlier practice of new elephants bought by devotees being offered at the Guruvayur temple, the ritual, known as 'nadayiruthal', is now limited to the residents of Punnathur Kotta.