Lakshmi – The Temple Elephant of Hampi
In August 2024,, we visited Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled along the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, India. Though Hampi’s ancient ruins and rich history are captivating, this story isn’t about the stones that whisper the past; it’s about a soul that left an indelible mark on my heart during my visit.
Her name is Lakshmi – the temple elephant of Hampi and she resides within the sacred walls of the Virupaksha Temple. Meeting Lakshmi was one of those rare experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left—a mix of joy, wonder, and introspection that I carry with me to this day.
Who is Lakshmi?
Laxmi is no ordinary elephant; she’s the cherished temple elephant of the Virupaksha Temple, a symbol of wisdom and spiritual significance in Hindu culture. In India, elephants often represent Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and beginnings, known for his elephant head and human body. Many large temples in India have their own elephants, but Lakshmi is truly special.
Lakshmi is known for blessing visitors by gently touching their heads with her trunk, a gesture that many believe brings good fortune. You can feed her bananas and if you hand her a ten rupees note, she gives a blessing.
My Mixed Emotions
The temple is always bustling with devotees eager to receive Lakshmi’s blessings. Yet, as much as I was enchanted by her, a part of me felt uneasy. Lakshmi’s entire life is confined within the walls of the temple. Despite the care she receives—it saddened me to see her life so restricted.
I couldn’t help but imagine her roaming free in the wild, living as nature intended. The contrast between the joy she brings to others and the life she leads filled me with conflicting emotions. On one hand, I felt blessed and grateful for the encounter; on the other, I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt.
As I left the temple, I carried with me a heavy heart, hoping and praying that Lakshmi – the temple elephant of Hampi, in her own way, is leading a happy & content life.
May she continue to spread the happiness she brings to all who cross her path.
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2024
