Tusker Pallatt Brahmadathan dies after lightning strike near Erattupetta in Keralam’s Kottayam
A well-known 65-year-old temple elephant named Pallatt Brahmadathan died after being struck by lightning in Kottayam, Kerala. The elephant was a popular figure in local festivals and was resting at his owner's residence when the incident occurred.
Why it matters
The death of a culturally significant animal highlights the impact of extreme weather events on both human and animal populations.
Pallatt Brahmadathan, a 65-year-old elephant and a familiar presence at temple festivals across Keralam, died after being struck by lightning amid heavy rain near Erattupetta in Kottayam on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. when a thunderstorm swept through the area. The nearly 10-foot-tall elephant was tethered near the residence of his owner, Kerala Festival Coordination Committee president Rajesh Pallatt, at Melampara. He had been resting there following a bout of musth.
Brahmadathan, who had been brought to Keralam from Bihar, was a popular attraction among elephant lovers. He was among the elephants that carried the idol of the main deity during the late-night Pooram procession of Paramekkavu Devaswom at the Thrissur Pooram.
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