Replacement follows medical advice; officials conducted trial run and provided veterinary supervision
Ujjain: A 50-year-old elephant named Suma from Tamil Nadu led the second Mahakal procession during the Shravan month in Ujjain on Monday, taking the place of the customary elephant Shyamu, who has been temporarily withdrawn after doctors declared him unfit for the event, officials said.
District Forest Officer Anurag Tiwari said the decision to keep Shyamu away came after his health was seen to have deteriorated during the first procession.
"Shyamu was already undergoing treatment. During the first procession, his health condition was observed to have deteriorated. Therefore, it was decided to keep him away from the procession until he fully recovers. To ensure that the elephant tradition continues, Suma from Tamil Nadu was included in the second procession," the DFO said.
To familiarise Suma with the route, crowds and surroundings, forest department officials and a team of doctors conducted a trial procession on Friday, the DFO added. For the main procession, Suma was accompanied by five mahouts, forest department personnel and veterinarians to ensure her safety and correct handling.
Hemant Bairagi, associated with the Nirmohi Akhara and identified as Suma’s owner, and his associate Saurabh Kushwaha provided details on the elephant’s background. They said Suma was donated to the Akhara by a temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, when she was 46 years old. Officials said she carried the Manmahesh form of Lord Mahakal on her back while the Lord Chandramouleshwar palanquin was borne in the traditional manner during the city tour.
Procession route, worship at Ramghat and security
The procession, observed on the second Monday of Shravan, moved through traditional city routes and reached Ramghat on the banks of the Kshipra River, where priests performed ritual worship and jalabhishek using river water before the palanquin returned to the sanctum. Thousands of devotees lined the streets, accompanied by brass bands, drums and chanting, as is customary during the Shravan-Bhadrapada Sawari programme.
Forest and temple authorities said arrangements were made to manage crowds and ensure animal welfare, with medical staff available throughout the event.
Schedule for remaining Shravan outings
Temple sources and local reports said that a total of six major processions are scheduled during the Shravan-Bhadrapada period. The upcoming dates given for Ujjain are:
- August 17
- August 24
- August 31
- Rajasi Sawari (grand finale): September 7
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Replacement elephant | Suma (50 years old; donated from Tiruchirappalli) |
| Regular elephant | Shyamu (temporarily withdrawn on medical advice) |
| Supervision | DFO, mahouts, Forest Department personnel and doctors |
Local conservation and animal-welfare observers have in past years emphasised the need for strict veterinary oversight during large public processions. The district forest office’s involvement and the presence of a medical team for the elephant on procession days reflect those concerns. The trial run for Suma was intended to reduce stress for the animal and anticipate any behavioural issues in crowded conditions.
City residents and pilgrims are likely to keep a close watch on Shyamu’s recovery, given the animal’s longstanding role in the Sawari. Forest officials reiterated that Shyamu would be returned to procession duties only after full medical clearance.
The substitution this year underscores the logistical and welfare challenges involved in maintaining age-old traditions that include live animals, and highlights the coordination required between temple committees, akharas, and forest and veterinary authorities to conduct public religious events safely.
