Mahadevi Elephant Controversy Stirs Emotions as Beloved Elephant Relocated

Mahadevi elephant controversy sparks nationwide debate over religious tradition vs animal welfare

Religious elephant in India / Image Credit: Wikimedia

Mahadevi elephant controversy has erupted into a fierce debate after India’s courts weighed in. When the Bombay High Court ruled on July 16 2025 that Mahadevi should be moved from a Jain math in Kolhapur to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, animal welfare arguments took center stage.

The focus shifted onto her welfare to the exclusion of tradition. PETA India reported that Mahadevi, also called Madhuri, suffered from serious illnesses like arthritis, foot rot and overgrown nails. Experts even noted signs of psychological distress such as constant head‑bobbing.

A high‑powered committee of forest and legal experts backed the move, citing her deteriorating health. The court emphasized that animal rights outweigh religious use when there's conflict.

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Supporters of the tradition are not happy. In their Supreme Court appeal the Jain math claimed that Mahadevi has profound religious meaning and has been a part of their ceremonies since 1992. They called the order “an attack on centuries‑old tradition”. But on July 29 the Supreme Court dismissed their plea, fully upholding the High Court’s decision.

In Nandani village dialect, the controversy became emotional. The demonstrations heated up as thousands of people gathered to bid farewell. When crowds threw stones at police cars during the late-night procession authorities used mild lathi-charge.

Once loaded into a specially equipped animal ambulance, Mahadevi was taken to Jamnagar early morning under police escort. Villagers were both tearful and furious at her departure.

At Vantara’s Jamnagar facility she’ll receive professional care, hydrotherapy and the company of other elephants. Chains, ankush rods and forced performances will no longer be part of her life. Meanwhile PETA India and FIAPO have urged religious institutions nationwide to consider using life‑size robotic elephants in rituals instead of live animals.

This Mahadevi elephant controversy is not just a local story. It reflects a growing shift in India toward prioritizing animal welfare over ritual usage, especially when suffering is evident.

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For historical context on temples and captive elephants, UNESCO and conservation sources explain how temple elephants are often subjected to isolation, inadequate conditions and forced display in festivals—issues experts say raise serious ethical concerns.