The love and respect of devotees knows no bounds. An example of this is the donation of leather sandals worth Rs.12,000 for Gandhimathi, an elephant at Gandhimathi Amman Temple of Swami Nellaiappar, one of Tamil Nadu’s well-known temples situated in Tirunelveli district.

The temple which is historic is 1500 years old and people come here from far and wide to pay their obeisance to God and also watch the Gandhimati who goes around the temple. She became part of the temple at the age of 13 and today is 52 years old.

The elephant goes for a walk every day around the temple and found it difficult to walk due to age and weight. Also, the roads which were full of stones, pebbles and other sharp objects hurt the animal’s feet. Seeing the elephant’ difficulty in walking, the devotees and the Hindu Traders Association got together and purchased leather sandals which are worth Rs.12,000 for the elephant.

The temple authorities have got in touch with veterinarians and based on their advice training Gandhimathi to wear the sandals.

That’s not all as the temple and devotees ensure that Gandhimathi is provided proper and nutritious as per medical advice and is also taken to rehabilitation camps for complete check-up and rest.