📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / anonymous
Religion
Young Elephant ‘Durga’ Set to Reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple Amid Activist Concerns
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 14 Sep 2026, 12:32 PM
👁 53
A young elephant named Durga, originally from Assam, is scheduled to be transferred to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Animal welfare activists have expressed concerns over the logistics and well‑being of the animal during the move.
A young elephant named Durga, hailing from Assam, is slated to be transported to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai as part of a cultural and religious initiative. The transfer is part of a broader effort to bring revered animals to significant temples across the country.
Animal welfare groups have voiced apprehensions about the journey, citing potential stress and the challenges of moving a large animal over long distances. They are calling for stringent measures to ensure Durga’s health and safety during the relocation.
The temple authorities have assured that the elephant will be handled by experienced handlers and will receive appropriate care en route. They also emphasize that the transfer aligns with traditional practices of honoring deities with live animals.
The move has sparked debate among devotees and activists alike, highlighting the delicate balance between religious customs and modern animal welfare standards.
Animal welfare groups have voiced apprehensions about the journey, citing potential stress and the challenges of moving a large animal over long distances. They are calling for stringent measures to ensure Durga’s health and safety during the relocation.
The temple authorities have assured that the elephant will be handled by experienced handlers and will receive appropriate care en route. They also emphasize that the transfer aligns with traditional practices of honoring deities with live animals.
The move has sparked debate among devotees and activists alike, highlighting the delicate balance between religious customs and modern animal welfare standards.