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Arjuna (65), a celebrated Dasara jumbo was killed by a wild elephant on Monday during a rescue operation at Yasalur in Hassan district.
Arjuna had the distinction of carrying the golden howdah (weighing 750 kilos) with the idol of the presiding deity Goddess Chamundeshwari eight times, during the Dasara procession in Mysuru.
Why was Arjuna in Yasalur?
According to forest officials, Arjuna, along with five other kumki elephants were involved in the operation to capture a wild elephant.
The wild tusker charged at the rescue team -- forcing the elephants and the mahouts to flee. However, the rogue elephant gored Arjuna to death before the officials could shoot the tranquillizer.
Arjuna had a glorious inning as the lead elephant from 2012 to 2019, before retiring on reaching 60 years. The pachyderm, which had been captured in 1968 from Kakanakote forest in the Western Ghats was sheltered at Nagarhole National Park's Balle elephant camp.
It was on November 23 that Arjuna left Balle camp to take part in the rescue mission.
Arjuna had taken part in Mysuru's world-famous Dasara procession for at least 22 years as both lead elephant and as "Nishane" that carried the flag with royal insignia.
Known for his majesty as well as short temper, Arjuna had evolved a better temperament over time and that helped him succeed Balarama as the lead elephant. Arjuna was replaced by tusker Abhimanyu owing to the rules that bar engaging elephants older than 60 years in stressful and physically strenuous tasks.
CM condoles iconic elephant's death
Chief minister Siddaramaiah condoled the death of Arjuna recalling his "majestic gait" amid lakhs of people during the historical Dasara festivities as "unforgettable".
Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy grieved the loss of the elephant saying he was deeply pained by the loss of Arjuna.
He also urged the forest department to ensure the safety of the animals as much as officers during rescue operations.
