Sunday was a special day for the people of Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu as the iconic elephant in the area completed 50 years at Shri Mayuranathaswamy Temple.

The celebration of this special day in the life of 56-year-old female captive elephant, called Abayambigai, was led by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam Seer, who administers the temple.

While the elephant was decked up with dresses and silver anklets over her body, special prayers were conducted for her. Her favourite meal was prepared and served to her and devotees and admirers spent time petting and taking selfies with her.

She also went around the locality where residents and shopkeepers showered affection and gave her food.

Abayambigai was brought to this temple in 1972 from Kerala when she was six years old and since then she has become an integral part of the temple and its rituals.

Talking about her behaviour, V. Senthil, whose family has been taking care of Abayambigai said that she was nice and friendly. She is also very sensitive and emphatic as she stopped eating for a week, when Senthil’s Kumar died 10 years ago. When another elephant named Thaiyalnayagi in Shri Vaithiyanathaswamy Temple went on a rampage, she took charge and pacified the creature.

The temple authorities are advised by the Forest Department officials on how to improve living conditions and other facilities to ensure that she doesn’t develop medical problems like fungal infections.