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GAJARAJAN KESAVAN
It
was one of the majestic elephant which served the Lord in all its
sincerity and uniqueness. Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the
Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He
promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled.
His wish was fulfilled and he offered an elephant which later became the famous
Guruvayur Kesavan.
On his arrival, Kesavan was 10 years old and elephant Padmanabhan was the
undisputed king. Young Kesavan acquired all the kingly gestures and nobleness of
Padmanabhan and even excelled him. He would bend his front-legs only
before those who holds Lord's Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him, all
others were to climb by his behind-legs. He never caused any bodily harm
to anyone. He sometimes was called "Lunatic Kesavan", but never
spoiled any sanctity. Even if he became wild outside Guruvayur, he would
straightaway come to Guruvayur, go round the temple and stood where he
used to be chained.
In 1973, first time in history, the Golden Jubilee of the services of an
elephant to the temple was celebrated. Kesavan was conferred upon the
honour of "GAJARAJAN" (king of elephants ).
However, on famous
Ekadasi day, 2nd December 1976, Kesavan fell ill while Thidambu was placed on
his head. He couldn't hold on his legs. The Thidambu was soon
transferred to another elephant and Kesavan was brought to the Kovilakam
compound. He died in front of the Lord with his trunk stretched in
front. He was 72, 3.2metres tall, and participated in every ceremony at
the temple.Kerala's biggest and grandest elephant, Gajarajan Kesavan, served
the Lord and people for the long 54 years. Who have seen him will never forget Kesavan.
To commemorate him, a 12 feet high statue has been erected in front of Sreevalsam rest house.
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