The ongoing issue of Mahadevi Elephant Vantara relocation has stirred strong emotions among devotees and political leaders alike. BJP MLA Shashikala Jolle has now stepped in, expressing her firm support for the devotees demanding the return of the elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, from Vantara Wildlife Centre in Jamnagar.
On Monday, Shashikala Jolle visited the Jain Math in Nandani, Maharashtra, where she met devotees and spiritual leaders. During her visit, she openly declared her solidarity with their sentiments, saying that Madhuri is not just an elephant but an integral part of the math’s centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage. The BJP MLA, who represents Nippani constituency in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, assured the devotees that she would approach both the Union Government and the Maharashtra Government to seek the revocation of the transfer order.
Shashikala Jolle’s Support to Jain Math and Devotees
During her visit to Nandani, Ms. Jolle had a detailed discussion with Sri Jinasena Bhattaraka Swami, the head of the Jain Math. She conveyed her deep understanding of the devotees’ emotional attachment to the elephant. Jolle stated that Madhuri, or Mahadevi, is not merely an animal kept in the math, but a living symbol of devotion and cultural legacy that connects generations.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Shashikala Jolle said, “I completely share the feelings of the devotees. For them, Madhuri is not an ordinary elephant but a divine being who has been a part of their religious traditions for years. I will soon write to the Central Government as well as the Maharashtra Government, urging them to reconsider this decision and bring back Mahadevi to her rightful place at the Nandani Math.”
The Transfer of Mahadevi Elephant to Vantara
The controversy began when Maharashtra officials relocated the elephant Madhuri from Nidoni to Vantara Wildlife Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This action was taken in compliance with a Bombay High Court order, following a petition that alleged improper care and solitary confinement of the elephant at the math.
According to the petitioner, the elephant was not being given the necessary medical attention and was being kept in isolation, leading to concerns about her health and well-being. Consequently, the court ordered her transfer to Vantara, a state-of-the-art wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center managed by Reliance Industries.
However, the move has been met with widespread opposition from the Jain community and local devotees, who believe that the elephant was well cared for and was an integral part of their religious practices.
Protests and Padayatra by Jain Community
The transfer of Mahadevi Elephant to Vantara has sparked a series of protests across Maharashtra and Karnataka. On Saturday, members of several Jain associations began a padayatra (foot march) from Ainapur in Belagavi district to the Padmavati Temple in Shivamogga. The primary demand of this spiritual march is the immediate return of Mahadevi Elephant to the Nandani Jain Math.
Additionally, on Sunday, a large group of Jain devotees organized a silent protest march in Kolhapur. The demonstrators carried placards and banners expressing their displeasure over the court’s decision and demanded that the government revoke the elephant’s transfer order.
The protesters argued that the Jain Math had always treated the elephant with utmost care and that the allegations of neglect were baseless. They emphasized that the elephant’s bond with the math and its devotees was sacred and irreplaceable.
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Growing Political Attention Towards Mahadevi Elephant Vantara Issue
The issue has now gained significant political traction, with leaders like Shashikala Jolle stepping up to advocate for the devotees. By announcing her decision to formally write to the Centre and Maharashtra authorities, Jolle has added political weight to the campaign seeking the elephant’s return.
Observers believe that the issue may soon become a larger political debate, as it touches upon sentiments related to religious freedom, cultural heritage, and animal welfare. While the authorities maintain that the relocation was in compliance with judicial orders and in the best interest of the elephant’s health, the devotees remain steadfast in their belief that Mahadevi belongs with them.
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Conclusion: The Emotional Bond Between Mahadevi and Devotees
The Mahadevi Elephant Vantara controversy is not just a legal battle but a deep emotional conflict where faith, tradition, and animal rights intersect. For the devotees of Nandani Jain Math, Mahadevi is a revered being who symbolizes their spiritual heritage. For wildlife authorities, her health and proper care take precedence.
As political leaders like Shashikala Jolle rally behind the devotees, the situation continues to evolve. Whether the government will reconsider the relocation order remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Mahadevi’s presence has left an irreplaceable mark on the hearts of countless devotees.