Jain Community Protests Transfer of Temple Elephant to Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary

Anger Builds over Court-Ordered Elephant Relocation

The Jain community in Maharashtra and Karnataka has strongly opposed the relocation of a temple elephant named Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, from the Nandani Mutt in Kolhapur to Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary in Gujarat. The transfer followed a Bombay High Court order based on a petition filed by PETA India, which raised concerns about the elephant’s health and safety.

Despite the legal backing, many Jains consider the move an insult to their religious and cultural values. They are now demanding that the elephant be returned to the mutt or relocated to a government-run facility instead of what they describe as a private commercial setup. The elephant had been part of temple rituals and spiritual traditions for decades.

Protests and Boycott Gaining Momentum

As outrage spreads, the community has announced protests in Hubballi and Belagavi in Karnataka. Prominent Jain monks and saints from across India have declared their intention to escalate the matter. They plan to petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, urging a reconsideration of the court’s decision.

The situation intensified after videos of the Nandani Mutt seer weeping during the elephant’s departure went viral. In a symbolic protest, many community members have started boycotting products and services from the Jio brand, a company owned by the Ambani family, which also manages Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary.

Religious Leaders Demand Respect and Alternatives

Jain leaders argue that their community has a long-standing tradition of animal care. “We manage more than 14,000 gaushalas. We do not need lessons in animal welfare,” stated Bhuvankeerthi Battarak Swamiji of the Kanakagiri Mutt. He questioned why the government did not collaborate with the mutt to improve conditions rather than sending the elephant to another state.

Gunadhatnandi Maharaj, head of the Varur shrine, called the relocation a cultural blow. “This elephant was not just an animal but a part of our spiritual family. First, we faced setbacks in Gujarat over the Girnar shrine, and now this. Bringing her back has become a symbolic cause for Jain shrines across India,” he said.

PETA Defends Move, Vantara Assures Welfare

On the other hand, PETA India has defended its petition. The organisation pointed to the elephant’s history of aggression, including an alleged incident where she fatally injured a Jain monk. PETA claims that Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary offers advanced medical care and large open spaces that are far better than the elephant’s previous living conditions.

They emphasized that Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary is a state-of-the-art rescue and rehabilitation centre. It was purpose-built to accommodate animals requiring special care and has already taken in dozens of other rescued elephants. The facility’s caretakers assert that Mahadevi will receive round-the-clock medical attention, a chain-free environment, and the freedom to roam in natural surroundings.

Despite these assurances, the Jain community refuses to back down. They insist that religious sentiment and community trust have been ignored. Until Mahadevi is returned, protests against Ambani’s Vantara Sanctuary are expected to continue, with growing national attention on what is rapidly becoming a sensitive cultural issue.

Case title- [Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarakha Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Math vs. State of Maharashtra & Ors.]