Guruvayur Keshavan - Revision history

EdmundWyrick821: Revised and enhanced article content

2025-07-08T08:04:34Z

Revised and enhanced article content

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:34, 8 July 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{~~short~~ description\| ~~An historic~~ elephant in Kerala}}		{{Short description\|Historic elephant in Kerala, India}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2018}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\| breed =		\| breed =
	\| gender = Male		\| gender = Male
	\| birth_date = {{circa\|1912}}		\| birth_date = {{circa\|1912}}
	\| birth_place = [[Kerala]]		\| birth_place = [[Kerala]]
	\| death_date =2 ~~December 1976~~		\| death_date = {{death date and age\|1976\|12\|2\|1912}}
	\| death_place = [[Guruvayur]]		\| death_place = [[Guruvayur]]
	\| resting_place =		\| resting_place = Nilambur, Kerala
	~~\| resting_place_coordinates =~~
	~~\| relativeage~~ =
	\| nationality = India		\| nationality = India
	~~\| occupation =~~		\| known = [[Thrissur Pooram]], Thripunithura Valiya Utsavam, Aarattupuzha, Kizhoor Nenmara and other [[Pooram]]s
	~~\| employer =~~		\| predecessor = Guruvayur Valiya Padmanabhan
	~~\| years_active =~~		\| successor = [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]]
	\| known = [[Thrissur Pooram]], other [[Pooram]]s
	\| predecessor =
	\| successor = [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]]
	\| owner = Guruvayur Devaswom		\| owner = Guruvayur Devaswom
	\| weight =		\| weight = 7 tons
	\| height = {{height\|m=3.20\|precision=0}}		\| height = {{height\|m=3.28\|precision=0}}
	\| namedafter = [[Vishnu\|Keshavan]]		\| namedafter = [[Vishnu\|Keshavan]]
	\| website =		\| website =
	}}		}}

	'''Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan''' ({{circa}}1912—2 December 1976)<ref name=Kesavan>{{Cite web\|url=http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|title=Gajarajan Kesavan\|website=Guruvayur Devaswom\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031648/http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|archive-date=2018-03-10\|url-status=\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref><ref name=Hindu>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023512/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-03-12\|title='Guruvayur Kesavan' remembered\|date=2005-12-11\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> is perhaps the most famous and celebrated temple [[Elephants in Kerala culture\|~~elephant~~ in Kerala]]~~, India~~. ~~Keshavan~~ was donated to the [[Guruvayur Temple\|Guruvayur temple]] by the royal family of [[Nilambur]] on 4 January 1922 .<ref name=Hindu/>		'''Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan''' ({{circa}}1912—2 December 1976)<ref name=Kesavan>{{Cite web\|url=http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|title=Gajarajan Kesavan\|website=Guruvayur Devaswom\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031648/http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|archive-date=2018-03-10\|url-status=\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref><ref name=Hindu>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023512/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-03-12\|title='Guruvayur Kesavan' remembered\|date=2005-12-11\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> was a [[temple elephant]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]], perhaps the most famous and celebrated of all temple [[Elephants in Kerala culture\|elephants in Kerala]]. He was donated to the [[Guruvayur Temple\|Guruvayur temple]] by the royal family of [[Nilambur]] on 4 January 1922.<ref name=Hindu/>

	Standing over 3.2 meters tall, he was one of the tallest elephants that lived in Kerala and was known for his devout behavior. As Keshavan's name and fame increased, the Devaswom board gave him the unique title ''Gajarajan (King of elephants)'' in 1973. Keshavan died on 2 December 1976, which happened to be [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]], considered a very auspicious day.<ref name=Kesavan/><ref name=Hindu/> The anniversary of his death is still mourned in Guruvayur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. After his death, [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]] became the successor of Guruvayur Keshavan.		Standing over 3.28 meters tall, he was one of the tallest elephants that lived in Kerala and was known for his devout behavior. As Keshavan's name and fame increased, the Devaswom board gave him the unique title ''Gajarajan (King of elephants)'' in 1973. Keshavan died on 2 December 1976, which happened to be [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]], considered a very auspicious day.<ref name=Kesavan/><ref name=Hindu/> The anniversary of his death is still mourned in Guruvayur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. After his death, [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]] became the successor of Guruvayur Keshavan.

	==Life==		==Life==
	Guruvayur Keshavan was captured from Nilambur forest and taken to the famous Nilambur Royal family as their 12th elephant. According to Guruvayur lore, Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled. When his wish was fulfilled, he offered Keshavan to the temple on 4 January 1922.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why This Kerala Elephant's Death Anniversary is Celebrated\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/why-this-kerala-elephants-death-anniversary-is-celebrated-706721\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> ~~Many people says that~~ Keshavan ~~bend~~ his front-legs only before those who ~~hold Lord’s~~ Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him and all others were to climb by his ~~behind~~-legs. He is said to have never caused any bodily harm to anyone and had the ability to lift his head a much height as possible for hours while carrying Thidambu. <ref>{{Cite web\|title=നിലമ്പൂര്‍ കോവിലകത്തെ കൊച്ചു കേശവന്‍ എങ്ങനെ ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ നടയിലെത്തി\|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/guruvayoor-kesavan~~\|url-status=live~~\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=Janmabhumi\|language=en}}</ref> ~~Keshavan was also famous for winning in many Guruvayur Aanyottam (elephant race).~~ Legend says ~~that ,~~ Keshavan defeated ''Akhori Govindan,'' a famous elephant from outside of Guruvayur in the 1930's Aanayottam. In 1973, Keshavan became the first elephant to get honoured with the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom. During the Guruvayur Ekadasi of 1976, Keshavan fell ill and was about to tremble during the deity procession. He was immediately taken to the stable where he fasted for the night and died few days later on 2 December 1976. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=ഗജരാജൻ ഗുരുവായൂർ കേശവനെ ഓർക്കാതെ പൂർണ്ണമാകുമോ ഓരോ ഗുരുവായൂർ ആനയോട്ടവും !{{!}}Guruvayoor Anayottam 2020\|url=https://www.eastcoastdaily.com/2020/03/05/720129-in-memorium-of-gajaraja-guruvayoor-kesavan-on-the-occassion-of-guruvayoor-anayottam-2020.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=East Coast Daily Malayalam\|language=en-US}}</ref> ~~His~~ death ~~anniversary~~ is ~~still~~ celebrated on the evening of every year's Ekadasi by the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom lining up before Keshavan's statue and the chief elephant garlanding it, thus paying tribute.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayur Ekadasi today- The New Indian Express\|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=cms.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>		Guruvayur Keshavan was captured from Nilambur forest and taken to the famous Nilambur Royal family as their 12th elephant. According to Guruvayur lore, Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies' attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish was fulfilled. When his wish was fulfilled, he offered Keshavan to the temple on 4 January 1922.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why This Kerala Elephant's Death Anniversary is Celebrated\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/why-this-kerala-elephants-death-anniversary-is-celebrated-706721\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

			Keshavan reportedly bent his front-legs only before those who held the Lord's Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him and all others were to climb by his hind-legs. He was said to have never caused any bodily harm to anyone and had the ability to lift his head a much height as possible for hours while carrying Thidambu.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=നിലമ്പൂര്‍ കോവിലകത്തെ കൊച്ചു കേശവന്‍ എങ്ങനെ ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ നടയിലെത്തി\|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/guruvayoor-kesavan\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=Janmabhumi\|date=29 June 2020 \|language=en}}</ref>

			Legend says Keshavan defeated ''Akhori Govindan'', a famous elephant from outside of Guruvayur in the 1930's Aanayottam. In 1973, Keshavan became the first elephant to get honoured with the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom. During the Guruvayur Ekadasi of 1976, Keshavan fell ill and was about to tremble during the deity procession. He was immediately taken to the stable where he fasted for the night and died few days later on 2 December 1976. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=ഗജരാജൻ ഗുരുവായൂർ കേശവനെ ഓർക്കാതെ പൂർണ്ണമാകുമോ ഓരോ ഗുരുവായൂർ ആനയോട്ടവും !{{!}}Guruvayoor Anayottam 2020\|url=https://www.eastcoastdaily.com/2020/03/05/720129-in-memorium-of-gajaraja-guruvayoor-kesavan-on-the-occassion-of-guruvayoor-anayottam-2020.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=East Coast Daily Malayalam\|date=5 March 2020 \|language=en-US \|last1=Parvathi \|first1=Anju }}</ref>

			The anniversary of his death is celebrated on the evening of every year's Ekadasi by the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom lining up before Keshavan's statue and the chief elephant garlanding it, thus paying tribute.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayur Ekadasi today- The New Indian Express\|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627193815/http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=27 June 2021\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=cms.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>

	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. Its life is the subject of the 1977 [[Malayalam]] feature film ''[[Guruvayur Kesavan (film)\|Guruvayur Kesavan]]'', released the year after his death.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayoor Kesavan (1977)\|url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=792\|access-date=2021-01-09\|website=~~www.~~malayalachalachithram.com}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Bharathan]], starring [[M. G. Soman]], [[Adoor Bhasi]], [[Sankaradi]], [[Bahadoor]], [[Jayabharathi]], [[Vennira Aadai Nirmala]] (Ushakumari), [[Veeran]], [[Oduvil Unnikrishnan]], Junior Sheela, M S Nambudiri, [[N Govindankutty]], [[Paravoor Bharathan]] and [[Manavalan Joseph]]. ''Nayarambalam Shivaji'' ~~was in the lead role as~~ Guruvayur ~~Kesavan. The cinematography of the film was done by [[Ashok Kumar (cinematographer)\|Ashok Kumar]]~~. The story of Guruvayur Keshavan is portrayed in a television serial on [[Surya TV]] (2009—2010), scripted by Pradeep Sivasankar~~, starring [[Captain Raju]], KPAC Sajeev, [[Kaviyoor Ponnamma]], Salu Menon and Kollam Ajith~~.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Aravind\|first=Indulekha\|title=Temple elephants: What makes temple elephants so popular in Kerala\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-makes-temple-elephants-so-popular-in-kerala/articleshow/69389799.cms?from=mdr\|access-date=2021-01-09}}</ref>		The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. Its life is the subject of the 1977 [[Malayalam]] feature film ''[[Guruvayur Kesavan (film)\|Guruvayur Kesavan]]'', released the year after his death.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayoor Kesavan (1977)\|url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=792\|access-date=2021-01-09\|website=malayalachalachithram.com}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Bharathan]]. ''Nayarambalam Shivaji'' played Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan.

			The story of Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan was portrayed in a television serial on [[Surya TV]] (2009—2010), as scripted by Pradeep Sivasankar.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Aravind\|first=Indulekha\|title=Temple elephants: What makes temple elephants so popular in Kerala\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-makes-temple-elephants-so-popular-in-kerala/articleshow/69389799.cms?from=mdr\|access-date=2021-01-09}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
Line 53:		Line 56:
	==External links==		==External links==
	{{commonscat}}		{{commonscat}}
	*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml Guruvayoor Devaswom webpage]		*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml Guruvayoor Devaswom webpage] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060710073501/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml \|date=10 July 2006 }}
	*{{~~imdb~~ title\|~~0155734~~}}		*{{IMDb title\|tt0155734\|qid=Q5620573}}

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Guruvayur Keshavan}}
	[[Category:1904 animal births]]		[[Category:1904 animal births]]
	[[Category:1976 animal deaths]]		[[Category:1976 animal deaths]]
	~~[[Category:Individual elephants]]~~
	[[Category:Elephants in Indian culture]]		[[Category:Elephants in Indian culture]]
	~~[[Category:Individual animals in India]]~~
	[[Category:Guruvayur]]		[[Category:Guruvayur]]
	[[Category:Elephants in Hinduism]]		[[Category:Elephants in Hinduism]]
	[[Category:Elephants in Kerala]]		[[Category:Elephants in Kerala]]
			[[Category:Individual elephants in India]]
			[[Category:Individual Asian elephants]]

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-03-15T03:50:22Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 15 March 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}
	{{For\|the 1977 film\|Guruvayur Kesavan (film)}}		{{For\|the 1977 film\|Guruvayur Kesavan (film)}}
	~~{{distinguish\|Guruvayur Valiya Keshavan}}~~
	{{Infobox animal		{{Infobox animal
	\| name = Guruvayur Keshavan		\| name = Guruvayur Keshavan
Line 35:		Line 34:
	'''Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan''' ({{circa}}1912—2 December 1976)<ref name=Kesavan>{{Cite web\|url=http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|title=Gajarajan Kesavan\|website=Guruvayur Devaswom\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031648/http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|archive-date=2018-03-10\|url-status=\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref><ref name=Hindu>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023512/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-03-12\|title='Guruvayur Kesavan' remembered\|date=2005-12-11\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> is perhaps the most famous and celebrated temple [[Elephants in Kerala culture\|elephant in Kerala]], India. Keshavan was donated to the [[Guruvayur Temple\|Guruvayur temple]] by the royal family of [[Nilambur]] on 4 January 1922 .<ref name=Hindu/>		'''Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan''' ({{circa}}1912—2 December 1976)<ref name=Kesavan>{{Cite web\|url=http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|title=Gajarajan Kesavan\|website=Guruvayur Devaswom\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031648/http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html\|archive-date=2018-03-10\|url-status=\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref><ref name=Hindu>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023512/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-03-12\|title='Guruvayur Kesavan' remembered\|date=2005-12-11\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> is perhaps the most famous and celebrated temple [[Elephants in Kerala culture\|elephant in Kerala]], India. Keshavan was donated to the [[Guruvayur Temple\|Guruvayur temple]] by the royal family of [[Nilambur]] on 4 January 1922 .<ref name=Hindu/>

	Standing over 3.2 meters tall, he was one of the tallest elephants that lived in Kerala and was known for his devout behavior. As Keshavan's name and fame increased, the Devaswom board gave him the unique title ''Gajarajan (King of elephants)'' in 1973. Keshavan died on 2 December 1976, which happened to be [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]], considered a very auspicious day.<ref name=Kesavan/><ref name=Hindu/> The anniversary of his death is still ~~celebrated~~ in Guruvayur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. After his death, [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]] became the successor of Guruvayur Keshavan.		Standing over 3.2 meters tall, he was one of the tallest elephants that lived in Kerala and was known for his devout behavior. As Keshavan's name and fame increased, the Devaswom board gave him the unique title ''Gajarajan (King of elephants)'' in 1973. Keshavan died on 2 December 1976, which happened to be [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]], considered a very auspicious day.<ref name=Kesavan/><ref name=Hindu/> The anniversary of his death is still mourned in Guruvayur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. After his death, [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]] became the successor of Guruvayur Keshavan.

	==Life==		==Life==
	Guruvayur Keshavan was captured from Nilambur forest and taken to the famous Nilambur Royal family as their 12th elephant. According to Guruvayur lore, Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled. When his wish was fulfilled, he offered Keshavan to the temple on 4 January 1922.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why This Kerala Elephant's Death Anniversary is Celebrated\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/why-this-kerala-elephants-death-anniversary-is-celebrated-706721\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Many people says that Keshavan bend his front-legs only before those who hold Lord’s Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him and all others were to climb by his behind-legs. He is said to have never caused any bodily harm to anyone and had the ability to lift his head a much height as possible for hours while carrying Thidambu. <ref>{{Cite web\|title=നിലമ്പൂര്‍ കോവിലകത്തെ കൊച്ചു കേശവന്‍ എങ്ങനെ ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ നടയിലെത്തി\|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/guruvayoor-kesavan\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=Janmabhumi\|language=en}}</ref> Keshavan was also famous for winning in many Guruvayur Aanyottam (elephant race). Legend says that , Keshavan defeated ''Akhori Govindan,'' a famous elephant from outside of Guruvayur in the 1930's Aanayottam. In 1973, Keshavan became the first elephant to get honoured with the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom. During the Guruvayur Ekadasi of 1976, Keshavan fell ill and was about to tremble during the deity procession. He was immediately taken to the stable where he fasted for the night and died few days later on 2 ~~January~~ 1976. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=ഗജരാജൻ ഗുരുവായൂർ കേശവനെ ഓർക്കാതെ പൂർണ്ണമാകുമോ ഓരോ ഗുരുവായൂർ ആനയോട്ടവും !{{!}}Guruvayoor Anayottam 2020\|url=https://www.eastcoastdaily.com/2020/03/05/720129-in-memorium-of-gajaraja-guruvayoor-kesavan-on-the-occassion-of-guruvayoor-anayottam-2020.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=East Coast Daily Malayalam\|language=en-US}}</ref> His death anniversary is still celebrated on the evening of every year's Ekadasi by the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom lining up before Keshavan's statue and the chief elephant garlanding it, thus paying tribute.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayur Ekadasi today- The New Indian Express\|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=cms.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>		Guruvayur Keshavan was captured from Nilambur forest and taken to the famous Nilambur Royal family as their 12th elephant. According to Guruvayur lore, Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled. When his wish was fulfilled, he offered Keshavan to the temple on 4 January 1922.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why This Kerala Elephant's Death Anniversary is Celebrated\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/why-this-kerala-elephants-death-anniversary-is-celebrated-706721\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Many people says that Keshavan bend his front-legs only before those who hold Lord’s Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him and all others were to climb by his behind-legs. He is said to have never caused any bodily harm to anyone and had the ability to lift his head a much height as possible for hours while carrying Thidambu. <ref>{{Cite web\|title=നിലമ്പൂര്‍ കോവിലകത്തെ കൊച്ചു കേശവന്‍ എങ്ങനെ ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ നടയിലെത്തി\|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/guruvayoor-kesavan\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=Janmabhumi\|language=en}}</ref> Keshavan was also famous for winning in many Guruvayur Aanyottam (elephant race). Legend says that , Keshavan defeated ''Akhori Govindan,'' a famous elephant from outside of Guruvayur in the 1930's Aanayottam. In 1973, Keshavan became the first elephant to get honoured with the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom. During the Guruvayur Ekadasi of 1976, Keshavan fell ill and was about to tremble during the deity procession. He was immediately taken to the stable where he fasted for the night and died few days later on 2 December 1976. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=ഗജരാജൻ ഗുരുവായൂർ കേശവനെ ഓർക്കാതെ പൂർണ്ണമാകുമോ ഓരോ ഗുരുവായൂർ ആനയോട്ടവും !{{!}}Guruvayoor Anayottam 2020\|url=https://www.eastcoastdaily.com/2020/03/05/720129-in-memorium-of-gajaraja-guruvayoor-kesavan-on-the-occassion-of-guruvayoor-anayottam-2020.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=East Coast Daily Malayalam\|language=en-US}}</ref> His death anniversary is still celebrated on the evening of every year's Ekadasi by the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom lining up before Keshavan's statue and the chief elephant garlanding it, thus paying tribute.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayur Ekadasi today- The New Indian Express\|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html\|access-date=2021-06-27\|website=cms.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>

	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. Its life is the subject of the 1977 [[Malayalam]] feature film ''[[Guruvayur Kesavan (film)\|Guruvayur Kesavan]]'', released the year after his death.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayoor Kesavan (1977)\|url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=792\|access-date=2021-01-09\|website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Bharathan]], starring [[M. G. Soman]], [[Adoor Bhasi]], [[Sankaradi]], [[Bahadoor]], [[Jayabharathi]], [[Vennira Aadai Nirmala]] (Ushakumari), [[Veeran]], [[Oduvil Unnikrishnan]], Junior Sheela, M S Nambudiri, [[N Govindankutty]], [[Paravoor Bharathan]] and [[Manavalan Joseph]]. ''Nayarambalam Shivaji'' was in the lead role as Guruvayur Kesavan. The cinematography of the film was done by [[Ashok Kumar (cinematographer)\|Ashok Kumar]]. The story of Guruvayur Keshavan is portrayed in a television serial on [[Surya TV]] (2009—2010), starring [[Captain Raju]], KPAC Sajeev, [[Kaviyoor Ponnamma]], Salu Menon and Kollam Ajith.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Aravind\|first=Indulekha\|title=Temple elephants: What makes temple elephants so popular in Kerala\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-makes-temple-elephants-so-popular-in-kerala/articleshow/69389799.cms?from=mdr\|access-date=2021-01-09}}</ref>		The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. Its life is the subject of the 1977 [[Malayalam]] feature film ''[[Guruvayur Kesavan (film)\|Guruvayur Kesavan]]'', released the year after his death.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Guruvayoor Kesavan (1977)\|url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=792\|access-date=2021-01-09\|website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Bharathan]], starring [[M. G. Soman]], [[Adoor Bhasi]], [[Sankaradi]], [[Bahadoor]], [[Jayabharathi]], [[Vennira Aadai Nirmala]] (Ushakumari), [[Veeran]], [[Oduvil Unnikrishnan]], Junior Sheela, M S Nambudiri, [[N Govindankutty]], [[Paravoor Bharathan]] and [[Manavalan Joseph]]. ''Nayarambalam Shivaji'' was in the lead role as Guruvayur Kesavan. The cinematography of the film was done by [[Ashok Kumar (cinematographer)\|Ashok Kumar]]. The story of Guruvayur Keshavan is portrayed in a television serial on [[Surya TV]] (2009—2010), scripted by Pradeep Sivasankar, starring [[Captain Raju]], KPAC Sajeev, [[Kaviyoor Ponnamma]], Salu Menon and Kollam Ajith.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Aravind\|first=Indulekha\|title=Temple elephants: What makes temple elephants so popular in Kerala\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-makes-temple-elephants-so-popular-in-kerala/articleshow/69389799.cms?from=mdr\|access-date=2021-01-09}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
Line 54:		Line 53:
	==External links==		==External links==
	{{commonscat}}		{{commonscat}}
	*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml Guruvayoor Devaswom ~~Webpage~~]		*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml Guruvayoor Devaswom webpage]
	*~~[http://~~imdb~~.com/~~title~~/tt0155734/ IMDB]~~		*{{imdb title\|0155734}}

	[[Category:1904 animal births]]		[[Category:1904 animal births]]
	[[Category:1976 animal deaths]]		[[Category:1976 animal deaths]]
	~~[[Category:Animals in Hinduism]]~~
	[[Category:Individual elephants]]		[[Category:Individual elephants]]
	[[Category:Elephants in Indian culture]]		[[Category:Elephants in Indian culture]]
	[[Category:Individual animals in India]]		[[Category:Individual animals in India]]
	[[Category:Guruvayur]]		[[Category:Guruvayur]]
	[[Category:Elephants in ~~religion~~]]		[[Category:Elephants in Hinduism]]
	[[Category:Elephants in Kerala]]		[[Category:Elephants in Kerala]]

157.44.133.159 at 19:39, 27 June 2021

2021-06-27T19:39:35Z

New page

{{short description| An historic elephant in Kerala}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{For|the 1977 film|Guruvayur Kesavan (film)}}
{{distinguish|Guruvayur Valiya Keshavan}}
{{Infobox animal
| name = Guruvayur Keshavan
| image = [[File:Guruvayoor_Kesavan_Statue.jpg|300x300px]]
| image_size =
| caption = Guruvayur Keshavan's statue
| species = ''[[Elephas maximus]]'' (Asian Elephant)
| breed =
| gender = Male
| birth_date = {{circa|1912}}
| birth_place = [[Kerala]]
| death_date =2 December 1976
| death_place = [[Guruvayur]]
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates =
| relativeage =
| nationality = India
| occupation =
| employer =
| years_active =
| known = [[Thrissur Pooram]], other [[Pooram]]s
| predecessor =
| successor = [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]]
| owner = Guruvayur Devaswom
| weight =
| height = {{height|m=3.20|precision=0}}
| namedafter = [[Vishnu|Keshavan]]
| website =
}}

'''Gajarajan Guruvayur Keshavan''' ({{circa}}1912—2 December 1976)<ref name=Kesavan>{{Cite web|url=http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html|title=Gajarajan Kesavan|website=Guruvayur Devaswom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031648/http://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/kesavan.html|archive-date=2018-03-10|url-status=|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref><ref name=Hindu>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023512/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102861000.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-03-12|title='Guruvayur Kesavan' remembered|date=2005-12-11|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> is perhaps the most famous and celebrated temple [[Elephants in Kerala culture|elephant in Kerala]], India. Keshavan was donated to the [[Guruvayur Temple|Guruvayur temple]] by the royal family of [[Nilambur]] on 4 January 1922 .<ref name=Hindu/>

Standing over 3.2 meters tall, he was one of the tallest elephants that lived in Kerala and was known for his devout behavior. As Keshavan's name and fame increased, the Devaswom board gave him the unique title ''Gajarajan (King of elephants)'' in 1973. Keshavan died on 2 December 1976, which happened to be [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]], considered a very auspicious day.<ref name=Kesavan/><ref name=Hindu/> The anniversary of his death is still celebrated in Guruvayur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. After his death, [[Guruvayur Padmanabhan]] became the successor of Guruvayur Keshavan.

==Life==
Guruvayur Keshavan was captured from Nilambur forest and taken to the famous Nilambur Royal family as their 12th elephant. According to Guruvayur lore, Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled. When his wish was fulfilled, he offered Keshavan to the temple on 4 January 1922.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why This Kerala Elephant's Death Anniversary is Celebrated|url=https://www.ndtv.com/south/why-this-kerala-elephants-death-anniversary-is-celebrated-706721|access-date=2021-06-27|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Many people says that Keshavan bend his front-legs only before those who hold Lord’s Thidambu to enable them to climb upon him and all others were to climb by his behind-legs. He is said to have never caused any bodily harm to anyone and had the ability to lift his head a much height as possible for hours while carrying Thidambu. <ref>{{Cite web|title=നിലമ്പൂര്‍ കോവിലകത്തെ കൊച്ചു കേശവന്‍ എങ്ങനെ ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ നടയിലെത്തി|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/guruvayoor-kesavan|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Janmabhumi|language=en}}</ref> Keshavan was also famous for winning in many Guruvayur Aanyottam (elephant race). Legend says that , Keshavan defeated ''Akhori Govindan,'' a famous elephant from outside of Guruvayur in the 1930's Aanayottam. In 1973, Keshavan became the first elephant to get honoured with the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom. During the Guruvayur Ekadasi of 1976, Keshavan fell ill and was about to tremble during the deity procession. He was immediately taken to the stable where he fasted for the night and died few days later on 2 January 1976. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ഗജരാജൻ ഗുരുവായൂർ കേശവനെ ഓർക്കാതെ പൂർണ്ണമാകുമോ ഓരോ ഗുരുവായൂർ ആനയോട്ടവും !{{!}}Guruvayoor Anayottam 2020|url=https://www.eastcoastdaily.com/2020/03/05/720129-in-memorium-of-gajaraja-guruvayoor-kesavan-on-the-occassion-of-guruvayoor-anayottam-2020.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=East Coast Daily Malayalam|language=en-US}}</ref> His death anniversary is still celebrated on the evening of every year's Ekadasi by the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom lining up before Keshavan's statue and the chief elephant garlanding it, thus paying tribute.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guruvayur Ekadasi today- The New Indian Express|url=http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/nov/19/guruvayur-ekadasi-today-1900045.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=cms.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>

==Legacy==
The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. Its life is the subject of the 1977 [[Malayalam]] feature film ''[[Guruvayur Kesavan (film)|Guruvayur Kesavan]]'', released the year after his death.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guruvayoor Kesavan (1977)|url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=792|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Bharathan]], starring [[M. G. Soman]], [[Adoor Bhasi]], [[Sankaradi]], [[Bahadoor]], [[Jayabharathi]], [[Vennira Aadai Nirmala]] (Ushakumari), [[Veeran]], [[Oduvil Unnikrishnan]], Junior Sheela, M S Nambudiri, [[N Govindankutty]], [[Paravoor Bharathan]] and [[Manavalan Joseph]]. ''Nayarambalam Shivaji'' was in the lead role as Guruvayur Kesavan. The cinematography of the film was done by [[Ashok Kumar (cinematographer)|Ashok Kumar]]. The story of Guruvayur Keshavan is portrayed in a television serial on [[Surya TV]] (2009—2010), starring [[Captain Raju]], KPAC Sajeev, [[Kaviyoor Ponnamma]], Salu Menon and Kollam Ajith.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Aravind|first=Indulekha|title=Temple elephants: What makes temple elephants so popular in Kerala|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-makes-temple-elephants-so-popular-in-kerala/articleshow/69389799.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-01-09}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Cultural depictions of elephants]]
* [[Elephants in Kerala culture]]
* [[Guruvayur Temple]]
* [[List of individual elephants]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/kesavan.shtml Guruvayoor Devaswom Webpage]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0155734/ IMDB]

[[Category:1904 animal births]]
[[Category:1976 animal deaths]]
[[Category:Animals in Hinduism]]
[[Category:Individual elephants]]
[[Category:Elephants in Indian culture]]
[[Category:Individual animals in India]]
[[Category:Guruvayur]]
[[Category:Elephants in religion]]
[[Category:Elephants in Kerala]]