Erattupetta Ayyappan, superstar tusker of temple festivals, dies aged 55

KOTTAYAM: Erattupetta Ayyappan(55), the celebrated tusker known for his royal presence in temple festivals, died while undergoing treatment for illness. Ayyappan was among the last elephants to be auctioned off from the Kodanad elephant sanctuary.

As an elephant calf, Aaram arrived at the Vellukunnel house in Paravanparambil through an auction. Soon, he was rechristened as Erattupetta Ayyappan. Aaram was bought by Joseph Thomas and his wife Eethamma in Paravanparampil, Vellukunnel.

Ayyappan was only seven years old when he was bought at auction on December 20, 1977. In a short time, the elephant became a favourite of the locals and family members. It was normal for locals to throng Erattupetta to see a glimpse of the tusker on his return home from the busy festival season every year.

Ayyappan has also won many titles such as Gajaraja, Gajothaman, Gajaratnam, Kalabhakesari, Travancore Gajasreshtha, and Iravathasaman.