Hundreds Bid Farewell to Kerala's Beloved Elephant Brahmadathan After Lightning Strike

Hundreds of people, including priests and elephant enthusiasts, gathered in Melambara near Kottayam to pay their final respects to Pallatt Brahmadathan, the 54-year-old elephant who died after being struck by lightning.

Brahmadathan had been a familiar and popular presence at Kerala's temple festivals for decades, but his appeal extended beyond temple grounds. He would occasionally visit churches as well, earning affection across communities.

The atmosphere at Melambara was markedly different from the celebrations where Brahmadathan was usually seen. People gathered in silence to catch one final glimpse of the elephant they had grown attached to over the years.

Brahmadathan died at around 6.30 p.m. on Sunday after lightning struck him while he was resting in a shed near the residence of his owner, advocate Rajesh Pallatt.

Standing around 10 feet 2 inches tall, Brahmadathan was known for his imposing appearance and calm temperament. His broad forehead, large tusks, sandalwood-coloured temples and majestic presence made him a popular attraction at festivals across Kerala.

However, those who knew him closely often spoke more about his gentle nature than his physical stature.

For nearly 25 years, Brahmadathan was accompanied by mahout Kunnakkattu Damodaran Nair of Lakkattoor, popularly known as Omanachettan. Their relationship became one of the defining stories associated with the elephant.

Omanachettan believed Brahmadathan did not need to be restrained with chains and trusted him to remain calm even when surrounded by large crowds. At the Pallatt family residence, the elephant was allowed to remain unchained as long as his mahout could keep him within sight.

Even during temple festivals, the stick carried by Omanachettan was often viewed more as a reassurance for spectators than a means of controlling Brahmadathan.

Their communication also developed in an unusual way. Brahmadathan did not initially understand Malayalam, prompting Omanachettan to learn Hindi to communicate with him. He gradually taught the elephant Malayalam commands in return.

One incident became part of their shared history. During a festival at Ganeshmangalam Temple in Vadanappally, another elephant reportedly became unruly and moved towards Omanachettan. Brahmadathan is said to have stepped between the animal and his mahout, protecting the man he trusted.

When Omanachettan died in June 2021, Brahmadathan was taken to his house. Those present recalled the elephant raising his trunk, an act they interpreted as a final tribute to his longtime companion.

Brahmadathan came to Kerala in 1999 from the forests of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, where he had previously been used as a kumki elephant.

He was brought to Puthuppally in Kottayam by Pothen Varghese and his brother Chacko and initially became known as Puthuppally Brahmadathan. The Pallatt family acquired him in 2010, after which he came to be known as Pallatt Brahmadathan.

Over the years, he became a prominent figure on Kerala's festival circuit. He participated in the Thrissur Pooram in 2015 and carried the sacred idol during the Paramekkavu night Pooram in 2018.

His presence was also eagerly awaited at festivals including Ettumanoor Ezhara Ponnana, Vaikom Ashtami, Thirunakkara, Sakthikulangara and Thodupuzha.

Brahmadathan was also associated with a ritual following his festival appearances. After returning from events, he was often taken before Lord Krishna at Guruvayur, where he would raise his trunk in what devotees regarded as a respectful gesture.

Admirers affectionately called him Saayippu, Pallatte Kutty and Brahman. His popularity also extended online, with an Instagram page dedicated to him attracting followers.

The farewell at Melambara was a stark contrast to the colourful festivals where Brahmadathan had spent much of his life. There were no drums, lights or ceremonial caparisons, only mourners, folded hands and memories of an elephant who had become a beloved part of Kerala's cultural landscape.