Tusker Srikanta weighs 5,790 kg, heaviest of nine Dasara elephants in Mysuru

Tusker Srikanta tipped the scales at 5,790 kg during a weighbridge check in Mysuru on Sunday, making the 57-year-old elephant from Mathigodu camp the heaviest of the nine jumbos preparing for the Dasara procession.

Forest Department officials supervised the weighing exercise, a routine health monitoring measure to ensure the elephants gain adequate weight and maintain fitness before their participation in the Jamboo Savari. The process requires police security as the animals are moved through city streets.

Weight hierarchy among Dasara elephants

Ekalavya emerged as the second heaviest at 5,600 kg, with Dhananjaya close behind at 5,530 kg. Four other elephants crossed the 5,000-kg mark: Mahendra (5,490 kg), Prashantha (5,205 kg), Gopi (5,170 kg) and Srirama (4,820 kg). Female elephants Lakshmi and Kaveri weighed 3,990 kg and 3,075 kg, respectively.

The elephants arrived in Mysuru as part of the Gajapayana on August 26 and entered the palace premises two days later. Onlookers lined the roads to photograph the jumbos as they were escorted to the weighbridge.

Training routine begins Monday

The nine elephants are scheduled to start their Dasara training from Monday, August 31. Temporary shelters have been set up on the palace grounds to house the animals along with their mahouts, kavadis and family members. The elephants are being fed nutritious food to help them build the required weight and stamina for the ceremonial procession.

Source: The Hindu