Source: HPI
MADURAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, April 1, 2010: Meenakshiji, the temple elephant at Madurai Temple, has learned to give change to devotees for the traditional tap on the head blessing.
When offered a hundred rupee note, for example, the pachyderm carefully picks up 95 rupees in change from a nearby pile and returns it to the devotee, and then graces him or her with a gentle tap on the head. Her mahout said it only took about ten minutes to teach her how to do this, as should could already count to 200. “She helps me with the accounting, ” he said.
If the nearby pile does not have the right amount for change, devotees can feel safe about coming back later for their money. Meenakshiji has an elephant’s memory.