These days videos of humans being cozy with all sorts of animals are normal and cute. But having the majestic elephant as your friend, excluding the mahout is an awe-inspiring site.
Such is the case of Kuttysankaran with Rukmini of Kongad village in Palakkad. The animal while gentle with his friend is not so with the rest of the people.
Rukmini, the wife of the late Paanchavaadyam artist Kongad Vijayan, adored the elephant ever since he was brought to Menassery temple in Kongad. She would pay him a visit every morning after praying at the temple. The two became thick friends over time and the meeting is now a part of Kuttysankaran’s morning rituals.
He was very fond of getting his share of the Prasad that Rukmini receives from the temple. Whatever be the Prasad, he would happily devour it while Rukmini pets him. He also receives his share of the delicacies made during Onam and other special occasions.
The bond between the duos became a fable when Rukmini had to coax a stubborn Kuttysankaran to walk home without a fuss.
The elephant was returning home after a festival in a temple. He was dropped off in a nearby temple and to walk the rest of the way home. Deciding to be stubborn, he refused to move an inch; the mahout was drunk and his aides were helpless.
Hearing the news of a stubborn Kuttysankaran, Rukmini rushed to the spot, only to see him giving the crowd a menacing glare. The aides, on seeing her looked revealed and requested her to help. Apprehensive of taking charge of the elephant; a completely different thing from feeding him, she walked up to him, looked him in the eye and said: “Come, let’s go.” Holding him by the tusk and gently nudging him forward, the friends began their walk home.
And so goes the tale that is now part of the Kuttysankaran-Rukmini repertoire of Kongad. The duo is sure to leave behind a lot more.
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