Arjuna (elephant)

Arjuna was a well-known elephant of the Dasara festivities in Mysore, India. He served as the lead elephant, carrying the 750 kg golden howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, from 2012 until 2019. Prior to becoming the carrier of the howdah, Arjuna was a key member of the Dasara elephant team for many years, participating in the Jamboo Savari (Dasara procession). He was known for his calm temperament and strength.

Arjuna was captured in the forests of Yediyall in the Kodagu district in 1968. He was named after Arjuna, the warrior prince in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, known for his strength, skill, and composure.

His career as the howdah elephant began after the previous lead elephant, Balarama, retired. The selection of Arjuna was based on a combination of his physical capabilities and his observed temperament during practice sessions.

Arjuna died in December 2020, following a confrontation with a wild elephant during an elephant capturing operation in the Yeslur range of Hassan district. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a significant figure in the cultural traditions of Mysore.