Elephant rejuvenation

In God's own country the ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy at the peak of southwestern monsoon is not the exclusive right of human beings. Hundred of domesticated elephants too are given the refreshing health experience.Major temple administration boards conduct these therapeutic sessions for the elephants they own

During this period elephants are kept away from all chores, ensuring complete rest & fed with ayurvedic concoctions to ensure their good health & well being.They are fed with specially prepared food valued for its medicinal value.The treatment continues for a month according to the weight & health condition of the elephant.

The restorative therapy called anayoottu - literally feeding the elephants - has been an annual activity scheduled for the last month of the Malayalam calendar, karkkadakom, a time period considered ideal for all kinds of rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda.Watch video below

Marking the beginning of anayoottu hundreds of people braved heavy downpour to feed the elephants with sweets in Guruvayoor on the 2nd of July.

Chief veterinary doctor, K.C Panniker, said the weather is favourable for treating elephants and they remain healthy for the next whole year.

"We have got 64 elephants, and, 40 elephants have been selected for this therapy. This continues for one month," Panniker said."We are giving mixture of medicines and also combination of grains; both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are being given," Panniker said.

The medicated mixture given to the elephants comprises of cooked rice with ghee, wheat flour, powdered black gram, palm jaggery and herbal powders.

PS : Kerala has had a large number of domesticated elephants from time immemorial.They helped with the timber trade, loading & unloading goods without forming unions or declaring strikes, looked grand in temple festivals & are in general loved & well looked after.