Source: www.newkerala.com
MUDUMALAI, KARNATAKA, INDIA, August 24, 2009: A group of elephants on Monday was brought to offer their respects to Lord Ganesha at a temple in Mudumalai on the occasion of the ongoing 10-day Ganesha festival.
The unique annual ceremony has been conducted by elephants in Mudumalai Tiger sanctuary for last 25 years. On this special day, more than 22 camp elephants are brought to the tribal Ganesha temple in a lively musical procession. The elephants are all decked up and adorned with particular ornaments.
Once the elephants reach the temple only two elephants enter the temple premises. They kneel down, followed by other elephants.
“Worship of Lord Ganesha by elephants at Mudumalai is one of the oldest. This ceremony is only performed here and nowhere else in India, as it is one of the oldest sanctuaries for elephants,” said Halan, Range Officer, Mudumalai Tiger Sanctuary.