(IN) Temple Elephant Learns to Return Change to Devotees

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Temple Elephant Learns to Return Change to Devotees

April 1st, 2010

Source: HPI

 

MADURAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, April 1, 2010: Meenakshiji, the temple elephant at

the ancient Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, has learned to give

change to devotees for the traditional tap on the head blessing.

 

When offered a hundred rupee note, for example, the pachyderm carefully picks up

95 rupees in change from a nearby pile and returns it to the devotee, and then

graces him or her with a gentle tap on the head. Her mahout said it only took

about ten minutes to teach her how to do this, as she could already count to

200. “She helps me with the accounting,” he said. If the nearby pile does not

have the right amount for change, devotees can feel safe about coming back later

for their money. Meenakshiji has an elephant’s memory.

Posted in Hindu Press International

 

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