The Guruvayur Aanayottam, or elephant race, is an extraordinary spectacle held at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur. This event, featuring the largest land mammals in a surprising contest of speed, marks the beginning of the annual ten-day Guruvayur Festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).

Legend has it that this tradition originated during the era of the ancient Zamorin and the King of Cochin. What began as a conflict between leaders has transformed into a cherished ritual. The elephants, weighing nearly 12,000 pounds, race to determine which one will carry the Thidambu, the replica of the idol of Guruvayoorappan, during special occasions for the following year.

Guruvayur, often referred to as the ‘Dwarka of South India,’ is a renowned pilgrimage town in Kerala. The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan, makes this place a sacred destination for devotees. The Guruvayur Aanayottam is a unique event that underscores the temple’s significance and attracts large crowds eager to witness this remarkable race.

The race begins at Manjulal, located at the eastern end of the Guruvayur Temple, and concludes at the temple’s eastern entrance. The ritual commences with the ancestral heir handing over Kada bells to the temple Thanthri, who then passes them to the mahouts of the participating elephants. Once adorned with the bells, the elephants start the race at the sound of the conch shell blown by the Marar. The first elephant to complete seven rounds and cross the eastern gate is declared the winner. This elephant is then given the honor of carrying the Thidambu during all special temple occasions for the year and is treated with great reverence.

A fascinating legend associated with the Guruvayur Aanayottam involves the Thrikkana Mathilakam Temple, which once owned the elephants used in the Guruvayur Festival. After the Guruvayur temple authorities failed to make the required payments, the elephants, bound by chains, miraculously broke free and ran to Guruvayur on their own accord, arriving at the temple as if paying homage to Lord Guruvayoorappan. This event, which took place at Manjula Althara, marked the first Aanayottam and continues to be commemorated annually.

The Guruvayur Temple, once a sub-temple of Thrikkana Mathilakam, now owns over 50 elephants housed at the majestic Punnathur Kotta. The Aanayottam not only highlights the temple’s rich history but also symbolizes the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of Kerala. The ten-day festival concludes with the Arattu ceremony, bringing to a close a series of vibrant and spiritually uplifting events.