Most of the Hindu temples in Kerala own elephants, many of them being donated by devotees.
It is believed that gods of neighbouring temples visit on elephant back to pay their respects to the presiding god of the temple.
The temple elephants are quite a sight as they are richly decorated during annual festival processions. People atop the elephants hold silk parasols and the elephants are gaily decorated with gold plated caparisons and have golden head gear.
©Ingetje Tadros