The 32-year-old female elephant Shyamu, which has carried the Manmahesh form of Lord Mahakal during Shravan processions for the past decade, may be replaced this year after veterinarians advised against her participation due to a degenerative joint disease. Shyamu has been directed to remain stationary for at least a month following a health assessment ordered by a high-power committee monitoring captive elephants.
Health Assessment Findings
Forest department officials said that a team of veterinarians from Panna Tiger Reserve, Satpura Tiger Reserve and Indore zoo examined the elephant, while experts from the Elephant Institute in Agra were also consulted. The team found widening gaps in the joints of Shyamu’s hind legs, causing them to bend abnormally and increasing the risk of collapse during movement.
SDO (Forest) Vikram Singh Solanki said that the elephant’s owner, Sarman Giri, has been instructed not to move the animal and to keep it at a single location. “The matter was referred to the high-power committee and the medical report has been submitted. Depending on her condition, a rescue operation may also be considered and she could be shifted to Naulakhi Beed,” he said.
Veterinarian Warnings
Veterinarian Mukesh Jain said that the disease has progressively worsened and excessive walking or participation in processions could aggravate the condition. “Experts have warned that her legs could collapse while walking, posing a serious risk to the animal,” he said. Shyamu took over the ceremonial role in 2016 after the death of elephant Ramu, which had carried the deity for 36 years. The Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee pays remuneration and provides fodder for the elephant during the annual processions.
Giri, however, said that Shyamu was completely healthy and that the condition of its legs has been like this since childhood, and some people, under a conspiracy, want to prove it sick and send it from Ujjain to somewhere else.
