It was time for her to get ready and serve the lord. In no time, she would bathe in the lake nearby, which would leave her skin tingling fresh. Her skin despite being dark and wrinkled was her pride. And then, she would be rendered with beautiful motifs on her forehead which made her look like a radiant bride. She stood under the giant Neem tree ready to welcome the early rush of devotees.
No matter what the age of the people who came in was, they did stop once near her to seek her blessings. She would give them the customary pat before she ushered them into the holy premises. On certain auspicious occasions, she would accompany the temple priests and devotees in the grand religious procession that went around the town to shower the lord’s blessings on the masses. She would be decked up with the grandest of accessories, the finest of silks, the brightest of brocade finery and the richest of jewels. They would move to the pulsating rhythm of drums, cymbals and the mighty nadaswaram instruments that were played as they moved royally, heading the holy procession. She had a natural oomph in her swaying gait which left people swooning over her. And that would further add to the gaiety of the festive procession.
She was a people’s person and she absolutely loved it when people made an attempt to interact with her. Children especially gave her immense joy. Some people got her delicious fruits to eat, while a few threw coins at her from a distance. They would want to click pictures with her. But the temple authorities were strict in this matter. They made sure that the temple visitors interacted with her only from a distance. They had learnt from previous experiences, that no matter how adorable she was, some people acted very insensitive. They would tease her, throw pebbles at her, poke her with sharp objects and at times try to manhandle her if they got the opportunity to do so. The fact that she was sturdy to withstand all this without getting hurt was not a justified reason to be treated in this manner. There was one occasion when someone had stubbed a lit cigarette on her body.
Is that how one treats someone like her – she/he who is a reminder of one of the most adorable lords from Indian mythology? Lord Ganesha surely must be so unhappy with the kind of treatment meted out on his representatives on earth. If an elephant like Gulab-Kali, who lives in the secure environment of a holy temple has to go through this kind of harassment from thoughtless visitors, I shudder to imagine the plight of the other members of her species who live unprotected in the wild across the world.
Note to my readers: This is a piece of pure fiction. The picture of the elephant at the temple seen above, is used here as mere graphic representation and so is the fictitious name ‘Gulab-kali.’ Both the picture and the name are not in reference to any animal, person, event, temple or place in particular.
~”Ganapathi Bappa Morya!”~ |
I have to admit, I cheated, I scrolled down before the end of the story, I do love your stories. One never knows what to expect!!!
He he Lisa, I saw this coming! After knowing my pattern of writing I guessed as much that my readers would be scrolling down before they started. So not fair 🙁
A thought provoking post touching the heart. There are so many ruthless people wringing atrocities on the elephant who has a human life. Brilliant and hope we will protect our Sunders who are epitome of devotion and human kindness.
Thanks Vishal, I'm glad this post resonated with you. The elephant indeed has been one of the most traumatized animal.
this is really touching and a post that makes people aware of the atrocities animals undergo in the name of religion. Loved it.
Thank you Ankita. I do hope it reaches the right people and make them aware.
Sad how some people take sadistic pleasures out of torturing animals. Very well written post and nice picture.
Thank you Suzy. The picture of the elephant at the temple is one from my personal collection. I got prompted to write this post coz of this picture.
I kept wondering what "Gulab-kali" would turn out to be. Awesome. Some people are so insensitive to animals. It is time we protect the other creatures on earth as well as they are important to our survival.
Lol Reema, there actually are elephants by the name of Gulab-kali, though they were not the ones I've referred to here. You're right, its time every living creature needs to be nurtured and protected.
I really enjoyed your story from the elephant's point of view. It really heightened our awareness of the plight of elephants around the world. Also so fascinating about the temple and all the rituals there. You described it so well, I could just picture it.
http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/07/ubc-day-17-if-only-life-was-musical.html
Thank you Cathy. Great to see you here. I'm glad you could picture my narration here. Atrocities on animals is a cause that sure needs heightened awareness. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Amazing tribute and very touching!! Loved it! 🙂
Visit me @taleoftwotomatoes
Thank you tale of two tomatoes. Glad you liked it.
Vinodini, your writing is 'superb' and 'sublime.' Those are the two words that come intuitively to me. Your post reminds me of a herd of elephants who in procession were paying respect if you will to a member of their own who died. I think it was a true story, perhaps on FB. Did you see/hear of it? <3
Thanks Elly. I haven't read the story of the herd of elephants that you're referring to. Please forward it to me if you come across it again. Would love to read it.
Hi Vinodini,
I like this story, puts us on the shoes of an elephant.
I am glad to invite you to write a story for our book "Blank Space" – Filled with Inspiration – which will feature 100 Writers and 100 stories. You could join writing along with people like Major. Surendra Poonia, Dr. Vikas Amte and many others.
If interested please drop a mail to publish@propelsteps.com
Note: You can submit your previously published stories on your blog as well.
I am sharing this link for your reference http://propelsteps.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/blank-space-write-your-inspiring-moment-get-published/
Thank you Dinesh. Sounds interesting. Will get in touch with you on the same soon.
Brilliant as usual…. Gulab Kali an elephant..wud hav never guessed, esp since u put a rose picture right at the beginning.
Thanks Viyoma. I get cheap thrills out of misleading my readers by posting such pictures 😉