Mysuru is in grief following the untimely death of Arjuna, the beloved elephant who proudly carried the golden howdah during the Dasara festival from 2012 to 2019. A wild elephant attacked the 64-year-old jumbo during a rescue mission at Yasalur in Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district, causing him to lose his life.
Distinguished Service: Arjuna’s Legacy
Arjuna was a very important elephant that was kept at Belle Camp in Mysuru’s Nagarhole National Park. Serving in vital capacities for the forest department, such as leading tiger and elephant capture missions, Arjuna had come to represent grandeur and devotion.
On Monday morning, when the elephant capture operation in Sakaleshpur was in progress, Arjuna came into a deadly collision with a wild tusker. The 64-year-old elephant was gravely hurt in the incident, which finally resulted in his death later that afternoon.
From Glory to Tragedy
From 2012 to 2019, he was the main elephant and the elephant selected to carry the coveted Golden Howdah (Ambari) at the Mysuru Dasara celebration eight times in a row. Taking his name from the brave Pandava brother in the Mahabharatha, the elephant became a staple of festivities.
Dasara’s Loyal Participant
His 22-year presence adorned the Dasara festivities, adding to their grandeur and tradition for an astounding 22 years. His involvement won many people over, especially as the bearer of the golden howdah, which turned him into a cherished Dasara icon.
A Legacy Remembered
The memories of the elephant’s remarkable service and important part in Dasara’s cultural legacy persist even as Mysuru bids the famous elephant farewell. Those who enjoyed and valued Arjuna’s magnificent presence during Mysuru’s yearly celebrations are extremely saddened by his passing.
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