Meet Parannoor Gopan, a famed domesticated elephant in Kerala. Owned by Dr. K. Radhakrishna Kaimal, this jumbo is 37-year-old. Parannoor Gopan is a regular participant of several temple pageantries in the state.

Considered as an auspicious animal according to the Hindu mythology, elephants are inevitable for several rituals and festivals associated with temples.

Keralites have a special love towards elephants. Their cultural life is never complete without pachyderms. There are several ‘elephant lovers’ associations actively functioning in the state

This video clip was shot at Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur district. The temple is the venue of an interesting ritual called Anayoottu (mass feasting of elephants).