Guest guest Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 Can aapn members explain whether walking up the steps will effect the elephants legs and whether an elephant can climb down the steep flight of steps without toppling over? Is this a form of abuse on an elephant? Thank you in advance for any information given. Regards Yitzeling Friday November 11, 2005 - The Star 273 jumbo steps up Batu Caves KUALA LUMPUR: In a rare scene, an elephant guided by a mahout climbed the 273 steps of Batu Caves to take part in the Uthama Patcha (Grand Prayers) consecration ceremony being carried out at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at the hilltop. Chief priest Ravinatha Gurukkal said the elephant was taken there to perform the special prayer for Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. " The elephant is also the vahanam (vehicle) for Lord Ganesha, " he said, adding that this was the first time in Malaysia that an elephant climbed Batu Caves. Ravinatha said this was also the first time that the special consecration ceremony was being performed in Malaysia, and the third time in the world. " The ceremony is aimed at renewing the power of the temple and deities, " he added. Ravinatha said five elephants were brought from Thailand to undertake the arduous climb but four of them were brought back down after climbing 30 steps as the accompanying devotees became scared. " About 1,000 devotees who were at the temple cheered as the elephant was brought before Lord Ganesha for the one-hour prayer, " he added. Temple chairman R. Nadarajah said more than 50,000 devotees from throughout the country were expected to attend the Maha Kumbaabhishegam ceremony on Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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