Though it sounds weird, it is a fact if one were to go by the decision of the TTD administration to supplant the services of the temple elephant — Padmavati. Perturbed at the mounting criticism, the temple administration in the first instance transferred the mahout and imposed restrictions on the stay of the elephants in the vicinity of the temple complex. Devotees attach vast sentiment to the temple elephants. They strongly believe that the ‘jumbo blessing’ (wherein the elephant places its trunk on the head of the devotees) brings them good luck. The elephant had been in the divine service at Tirumala for more than 25 years.

Source: The Hindu July 10, 2016 00:04 UTC