Elephants

The Indian Elephant goes back to the mythologies. As the Gods and the demons churned the oceans during ‘sagar manthan’ ( sagar = sea ; manthan = churning ) for the elixir of life - ‘amrit’ ( nectar ) that would make them immortal , there surfaced the ‘navratnas’ ( nine jewels ). One of these jewels was the elephant. The elephant is, therefore, considered absolutely precious to be preserved and protected like the way jewels are.

Elephants represent strength, fidelity, long memory, patience, wisdom, conjugal felicity. The white elephant is solar.

African Elephants are the largest land mammals. They stand 2.2- 2.6m (females) to 3.2 -4.0m (males) at the shoulder. Distinguishing characters are the large ears that aid in temperature regulation; the tusks that are used for fighting, digging, and eating; and the trunk that is used for breathing, communication, feeding, and drinking. Their bodies are grey in color and sparsely haired. There are only six teeth, which erupt throughout life, replacing each other as they move forward. Once the sixth tooth has worn down, there are no more, and animals may starve to death.

There are several interesting social behaviors that have been observed in African elephants. They have been seen to help young and wounded elephants over obstacles. They have been observed to carry dead elephants and even bury them under branches; individuals have been seen standing by the bones of dead elephants for hours and also to carry bones around. Not only do these animals show compassion but they also seem to show loyalty and affection.

Elephants having massive size and presence have been; associated to various myths.

Buddhist Mythology:

Sacred to Buddha, a white elephant having appeared to Queen Maya to announce the birth of a royal world-ruler. The white elephant is also the Jewel of the Law. The white elephant shows compassion, love and kindness.

Christian Mythology:

A symbol of Christ as an enemy of the serpent, trampling the serpent underfoot, chastity, benignity.

Chinese Mythology:

Strength, sagacity, prudence, energy, sovereignty.

Graeco-Roman Mythology:

An attribute of Mercury as intelligence. Pliny says the elephant is a religious animal, worshipping the sun and stars and purifying itself at the new moon, bathing in the river and invoking the heavens. In Roman art, longevity, immortality, victory over death.

Hindu Mythology:

Vehicle of the God Ganesha, the strength of sacred wisdom, prudence, kingly rank, invincible might, longevity, intelligence. The world is also supported by elephants.