HUBBALLI: The Jain community in Maharashtra and Karnataka has expressed strong opposition to the relocation of a temple elephant named Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, from the Nandani Mutt in Kolhapur to the Vantara animal rescue centre in Gujarat, operated by Anant Ambani.
Although the elephant's transfer was carried out following a court order prompted by a petition from PETA (India), many Jains have condemned the move, demanding that the elephant be returned to the mutt or relocated to a government facility, rather than being placed in what they see as a private enterprise.
Protests are being planned in Hubballi and Belagavi in Karnataka, with prominent Jain saints from across India vowing to escalate the matter. The community intends to petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, urging them to reconsider the decision.
Public outrage intensified after videos of the Nandani Mutt seer weeping during the elephant’s departure went viral earlier this week. In response, several members of the Jain community have begun boycotting products and services offered by the Ambani-led Jio brand.
PETA India had submitted an application to the Bombay High Court citing the elephant’s poor welfare and history of aggression. The 35-year-old female elephant, described as having exhibited dangerous behaviour in recent years, including allegedly causing the death of a Jain swamiji, was subsequently ordered to be relocated to the newly established Vantara facility in Gujarat.
However, the Jain community sees the move as an affront to their religious and cultural traditions.
“Jains are known for their compassion and nonviolence. This elephant has been part of our spiritual life for decades,” said Gunadhatnandi Maharaj, head of the Varur shrine. “Across the country, Jains are being marginalised. First in Gujarat over the Girnar shrine, and now this. Bringing the elephant back to Nandani Mutt has become a central cause for many Jain shrines. We will approach the highest authorities to reverse this cultural loss.”
Echoing these sentiments, Bhuvankeerthi Battarak Swamiji of Kanakagiri Mutt questioned the rationale behind the decision. “Do we, who run over 14,000 gaushalas, need to be taught about animal welfare? Could the government not have worked with the mutt to improve conditions rather than relocating the elephant? If Maharashtra lacks its own facility, why must the animal be sent all the way to Gujarat?” he asked.
Despite the concerns raised, PETA maintains that the relocation was essential for the elephant’s welfare. In a statement, the organisation highlighted the elephant’s history of aggression and emphasised the need for expert care, which they claim Vantara is equipped to provide.
The Jain community, however, remains firm in its stance and is preparing to launch widespread protests until the elephant is returned to Kolhapur.