Seeking Blessings from the Temple Elephant
Seeking blessings from them on whom you have faith shouldn’t be difficult, no? Well, I found it difficult! I had lot of faith on Him! I knew He would transform all my wishes to reality, yet I was afraid.
The “Him” in this case was a mammoth elephant! I was scared of approaching and Seeking Blessings from the Temple Elephant. He was a temple elephant. People had queued up to seek his blessings. All I had to do was place a 5 rupee coin on his trunk and bow in front of him. The elephant God will bless you! The mahout coaxed me and urged me to go ahead, all the while trying to convince me the elephant would do no harm. That was challenging for me. I stood watched other devotees cross me and walked confidently to the elephant.
Seeking Blessings from the Temple Elephant
After a long time I mustered up some courage, I inched forward, then paused and then moved few steps further and again halted. This time I took a deep breath and moved on, placed the coin on the extended trunk from a distance, shut my eyes and bowed to the elephant.
The mahout was right, the elephant didn’t harm me. I could feel the gentle touch of elephant’s trunk on my head. I relished the challenge! I am glad finally I overcame my fears and approach the gentle elephant!
Beautiful experience! Which temple was this? There in one in Pondicherry where the temple elephant blesses everyone. But the poor fellow looked so worn out that I didnt approach him…
It's always great to overcome your fear!!
I hope you got the blessings 🙂
Nice read!!
awesome
Formidable experience
Its awesome feeling when you approach a mammoth Elephant trying to imagine how it would feel and then actually experiencing it. The feeling after the close encounter is nothing but wonderful. Good depiction of this experience.
That must be a nice experience. Anyway getting blessing from the elephant god is a good omen.
I do have faith and also did the same when i was young and I even crossed between the legs as at that time my grandfather said that doing so will keep me away from diseases..
Lovely! I once did the same in Hampi with the difference that being blonde and blue eyed I had to hand over 100 Rupees.But it was well worth it!
He's a real beauty!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
i've always keep my distance from animals bigger than i am.:p i once went to Thailand to see elephants up close and personal but never this close. i admire your courage!
🙂 Good on you!
Indrani, I've never heard of a Temple elephant! You got a great photo. I'm glad you were brave enough to overcome your fear. The elephant has given you courage!
You were very brave. It's good to conquer fears!
Oh my! What a blessing to be touched by such a majestic animal.
Amazing
Hugs
SueAnn
Great shot of the beautiful elephant.
Wow, Interesting post!
awww!!! So well described!
A blessed photo…
thanks
That must have been a real experience, especially as a child.
Wow, it must have been amazing to be so close to the elephant!
What a moving post.
You got your blessing immediately–courage and self-confidence.
That's wonderful! And what a great capture, Indrani! I love it!