Thrissur Pooram’s beloved tusker; ‘Gajakausthubham’ Pallatt Brahmadathan dies after lightning strike

KOTTAYAM: Pallatt Brahmadathan, the famed tusker who was a familiar presence at Thrissur Pooram and major temple festivals across Kerala, died after being struck by lightning on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 6 pm near the residence of his owner, Kerala Festival Coordination Committee president Adv. Rajesh Pallatt, at Melambara. Brahmadathan had been tethered near the house when lightning struck him during the heavy rain. A doctor was called to the spot and provided initial treatment, but the elephant could not be saved.

Known for his gentle and calm nature, Brahmadathan was popularly known as ‘Gajakausthubham’ and was one of the most prominent tuskers on Kerala’s festival circuit. Standing at around 10 feet, he had been brought to Kerala from Bihar. Brahmadathan was initially known as Puthuppally Brahmadathan before becoming part of the Pallatt family. It was after the Pallatt family acquired him that he rose to prominence at festivals across Kerala.

For many years, Brahmadathan was a prominent valamkoottu elephant of the Paramekkavu faction at Thrissur Pooram. The position refers to the elephant placed to the right of the main elephant carrying the thidambu, from the procession’s perspective. Such a position is generally given to a prominent tusker with stature and a commanding presence. Brahmadathan also had the distinction of carrying the thidambu for the Paramekkavu faction during the night Pooram at Thrissur Pooram.

One of the most memorable chapters in Brahmadathan’s story was his relationship with his longtime mahout, Lakkattoor Kunnakkatt Damodaran Nair, popularly known as Omanachettan. Damodaran Nair had been Brahmadathan’s mahout for 25 years. When the mahout died in 2021, Brahmadathan was taken to his home, where he touched the body with his trunk and appeared to pay his final respects. The episode received widespread attention at the time.

Brahmadathan had become an indispensable presence at major temple festivals across Kerala, particularly in central Kerala. His death marks the loss of one of the region’s most recognisable festival tuskers and has left elephant lovers and festival enthusiasts mourning.