https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Bob-cut_SengamalamBob-cut Sengamalam - Revision history2026-09-07T20:05:53ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob-cut_Sengamalam&diff=492051&oldid=prevSiddhant Babu Gamers: made initial stub and citations2026-04-08T08:15:54Z<p>made initial stub and citations</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Rajagopalaswamy Temple Elephant}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}<br />
{{Infobox animal<br />
| name = Bob-cut Sengamalam<br />
| image = Mannargudi Bobcut Sengamalam Elephant.jpg<br />
| image_size = 350<br />
| caption = Sengamalam with her bob-cut hairstyle<br />
| species = ''[[Elephas maximus]]'' (Asian Elephant)<br />
| breed = <br />
| gender = Female<br />
| birth_date = c. 1988 (age approx. {{age|1988|1|1}})<br />
| birth_place = Likely [[Assam]], India<br />
| nationality = India<br />
| known = Bob cut hairstyle, Mannargudi Temple Elephant<br />
| owner = Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple<br />
}}<br />
'''Sengamalam''' is a female temple elephant of the [[Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi|Rajagopalaswamy Temple]] in [[Mannargudi]], Tamil Nadu, India. She is well known for her distinctive bob-cut hairstyle,<ref name=TOI2018>{{Cite news |first=D Vincent |last=Arockiaraj |date=22 May 2018 |title=Photos: This Tamil Nadu elephant makes a style statement with 'bob-cut' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/mannargudis-sengamalam-makes-a-style-statement-with-bob-cut/articleshow/64263986.cms |access-date=22 May 2018 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> which has attracted media and public attention. Sengamalam regularly participates in the temple's daily rituals and major festivals, including the annual [[Brahmotsavam]] and [[Theppotsavam]].<br />
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== Background ==<br />
Sengamalam was brought to the Rajagopalaswamy Temple from [[Kerala]] on January 13, 2003, though Sengamalam had been brought from [[Assam]] beforehand.<ref name="TOI2018" /> Already she has become an important part of temple activities such as Daily Ritual, Processions and annual festivals like Brahmotsavam and helps accompany the deities in festivals.<ref name="TNM2020">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2020 |title='Bob-cut Sengamalam', an elephant from Tamil Nadu, wows netizens again |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/bob-cut-sengamalam-elephant-tamil-nadu-wows-netizens-again-128112 |access-date=20 August 2025 |website=[[The News Minute]] |language=en}}</ref><br />
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== Hairstyle and care ==<br />
Sengamalam became an internet sensation because of her eclectic style bangs (bob cut). Her mahout S. Rajagopal, who maintained her, got the inspiration from watching a video of another elephant with similar hair and decided to imitate the same for Sengamalam.<ref name="TOI2018" /> Her hair needs constant attention, as its washed 3 times a day in the summer, and at least once a day in other seasons. Reports say her mahout installed a special shower worth ₹45,000 to help keep her cool in the heat.<ref name="TOI2018" /><br />
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== Public recognition ==<br />
Sengamalam’s hairstyle has gained a lot of attention, with videos and pictures shared widely on social media. In 2020, her images circulated again, making her one of the most recognizable temple elephants online.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 2020 |title='Bob-cut Sengamalam', the adorable elephant that will make your day |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bob-cut-sengamalam-the-adorable-elephant-that-will-make-your-day-857960.html |access-date=20 August 2025 |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |language=en}}</ref> Social media users frequently compared her look to a professionally styled human haircut. Her devoted followers and even critics often called her a “high-maintenance queen” and noted her one-of-a-kind fashion. Sengamalam's looks and her exceptional hairdo have been showcased in local and even national television, as well as in publications related to temples.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jain |first=Sanya |date=6 July 2020 |title=Meet 'Bob-Cut Sengamalam': An Elephant Famous For Her Unique Hairstyle |url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/meet-bob-cut-sengamalam-an-elephant-famous-for-her-unique-hairstyle-2257751 |access-date=6 June 2022 |work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> She is celebrated as a cultural icon and a mark of devotion, and her prominence extends to the devotees coming to Mannargudi. Sengamalam is also special for her unique talent of playing mondhar, the mouth organ, to greet the visitors, and has become quite popular.<br />
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== Cultural role ==<br />
Beyond her internet fame, Sengamalam remains an important part of temple life. She takes part in religious processions, blesses devotees, and the local community views her as both a sacred presence and a cultural icon.<ref name=TOI2018 /><br />
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== See also ==<br />
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* [[Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi]]<br />
* [[Temple elephant]]<br />
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==References==<br />
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[[Category:Elephants in India]]</div>Siddhant Babu Gamers