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THANJAVUR, INDIA, December 17, 2003: 55-year-old Vellaiyammal walked majestically into the Big Temple here, alighting from a truck which brought her back today from a month-long rejuvenation camp for elephants in the Mudumalai sanctuary. As the truck entered the temple, the pachyderm trumpeted to express its happiness over home-coming. Walking down the truck, which pulled up near the Nandi Mandapam, Vellaiyammal walked briskly towards the main temple. She was brought near the flag mast. Pujas were performed. A dhoti and a garland were put round her neck. Sandal paste was applied on her forehead. Aarthi (worship with lamps) was performed and a pumpkin broken. The senior prince and hereditary trustee of the temple, Babaji Rajah Bhonsle, gave Vellaiyammal a bunch of bananas. Bhaskar, her mahout or keeper, said the camp was a nice experience. Vellaiyammal put on weight during her stay there — 704 pounds, or 23 pounds a day. She’s up to 9,240 pounds from 8,536. “Medicines like Ashtachuthram were given. Neem oil was applied on the leg to prevent infection. We mahouts were also taken care of well at the camp,” Bhaskar said. The “Big Temple,” as the Bragatheeswara (Peruvudaiyar) Temple is commonly called, is dedicated to Lord Siva. It was built in 1010 ce by Raja Raja Chola.

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