The Sacred Elephants in Indian Culture: Understanding Their Significance and Role
India’s culture is diverse and has a significant influence on the country’s art, music, traditions, and beliefs. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, which has been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most revered and significant animals in Indian culture is the elephant. Elephants have been an integral part of the Indian way of life for centuries and have both religious and cultural significance. In this blog article, we will explore the sacred elephants in Indian culture, their significance, and their role.
The Significance of Elephants in Indian Culture
In Hinduism, the elephant is regarded as a holy animal, and its significance is closely connected to the deity Ganesha, who is depicted with the head of an elephant. Ganesha represents knowledge, wisdom, and good luck and is worshipped as a remover of obstacles. Indian beliefs state that elephants are a symbol of strength, wisdom, and longevity, and they are regarded as one of the seven royal elephants idealized in Hindu scriptures.
In Buddhism, the white elephant is considered a symbol of purity and wisdom. The Buddha’s mother is said to have dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb, and this is believed to be the reason for the Buddha’s enlightenment. Elephants also feature prominently in Buddhist tales, and they are considered a symbol of harmony, strength, and stability.
Apart from religion, elephants have a significant role in Indian culture and traditions. They have been used for transportation, war, and agriculture. Elephants are viewed as a sign of wealth and status, and owning one is considered a status symbol.
The Role of Elephants in Indian Festivals and Celebrations
Elephants feature prominently in Indian festivals and celebrations. During temple festivities, elephants are decorated with ornaments and flowers and are used to carry the deities in processions. In Kerala’s Thrissur Puram festival, elephants are a major attraction, with over 30 elephants taking part and spectators flocking from across the state to witness the grandeur. Elephants are also used during the famous Mysore Dasara festival, where they carry the gold and silver howdahs of the Muslim ruler, the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The Controversy Surrounding Elephant Ownership and Treatment
Despite the elephant’s significance in Indian culture, it is important to note that there is a significant controversy surrounding their ownership and treatment. Elephants are often captured from the wild and kept captive for commercial purposes, like tourism or religious festivals. They are subjected to long working hours, cruel training methods and poor living conditions. Moreover, the practice of making elephants walk on hot tar roads during temple festivities or other occasions has led to the death of several elephants due to dehydration and exhaustion.
Several organizations in India are working towards the protection and conservation of elephants. The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) works towards providing a safe environment for elephants and promoting humane practices in their treatment by various sectors which use the elephants. PETA India has been working to create awareness on the cruelties related to elephant ownership and promoting the need for better treatment of captive elephants.
In Conclusion
India’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with elephants, which are often considered sacred and revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Elephants have played a significant role in various Indian festivals and celebrations, adding sense and grandeur to these events. However, the use of elephants in commercial practices and religious festivals is often a matter of controversy, and several organizations have been working towards the protection and conservation of this magnificent animal. As a society, we must work towards treating elephants with dignity and respect, ensuring that they are protected and well-taken care of.
