What Happened To Srikalahasti Elephant?

Just an year ago, the Srikalahasti Temple hit the headlines. It was not for a miracle but a bad omen wherein the temple tower collapsed. Huge criticism was eked out on the government and temple officials for their irresponsibility. However, it appears that not much has changed the thick skinned officials.

Apparently, there is always an elephant and in fact, ‘Hasti’ means elephant. The elephant was considered as a lucky sentiment by many devotees and they made it a point to take blessings from it. However, the latest update is that the elephant has been removed and is not to be seen.

Sources say it has been left at the place from where it was brought and here is the rather ridiculous twist. Buzz is that the reason for removing the elephant is the temple authorities are finding it difficult to feed the elephant. Given the income that the endowments ministry is earning, this is perhaps the most wretched lie they can give.

On the other hand, the other sources say “The elephants are suddenly causing damage for surroundings and that may result in death of devotees as well. Hence, the elephant is kept away as per the advice of Mahot”.

Can CM Kiran or endowments minister Ponnala Lakshmiah do something about this??