Temple elephants are a type of captive elephant. Many major temples own elephants; others hire or are donated elephants during the festive seasons. Temple elephants are usually wild animals, poached from the forests of North East India from wild herds at a young age and then sold into captivity to temples. Their treatment in captivity has been the subject of controversy and condemnation by some , while others claim that elephants form a vital part of the socio-economic framework of many temple ceremonies and festivals in India, particularly in the South.
These elephants are made to stand at the entrance of the temples and bless the devotees who visit the temple. of cousrse a small amount is charges supposedly for the maintenance of the elephant.
I shot this seen during my travel in South India a couple of years ago! Yes. I took the blessing too:):):)
Camera! cannon SX130IS, handheld, image slightly trimmed and resized to FAR requirements.
Enjoy!