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Pallattu Brahmadathan: The Legendary Kerala Tusker Passes Away
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CNBC TV18•06-10-2026, 01:32
Pallattu Brahmadathan: The Legendary Kerala Tusker Passes Away
- •Pallattu Brahmadathan, a famous 10-foot-2-inch tusker known for his calm temperament and elegant looks, died on October 4 after being struck by lightning.
- •The beloved elephant gained widespread fame five years ago for a viral video showing him paying an emotional farewell to his late mahout, Kunnakkad Damodaran Nair.
- •Brahmadathan was a prominent feature at major Kerala temple festivals, notably carrying the sacred Thidambu during the Thrissur Pooram.
- •Originally a timber-working elephant in Arunachal Pradesh, he was brought to Kerala 28 years ago and later acquired by the Pallattu family.
Key Questions Answered
Pallattu Brahmadathan died after being struck by lightning while resting in a temporary shed near his owner's residence at Melampara in Kottayam district.
Brahmadathan gained widespread fame for his elegant looks, calm temperament, and prominent role carrying the sacred Thidambu at major temple festivals like the Thrissur Pooram. He also became a viral sensation years earlier for bidding farewell to his late mahout.
He originally started as a working timber elephant in the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh before being brought to Keralam by brothers Pothan Varghese and Chacko.
