The relocation of the Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant from Kolhapur to the grand wildlife sanctuary of Vantara in Jamnagar has sparked a significant wave of emotions, debates, and public movements. This 36-year-old female elephant, considered sacred by the locals of Kolhapur, has been at the center of a heated discussion regarding her rightful home. The controversy has raised questions about legal decisions, cultural sentiments, and the ethics of wildlife welfare.
Why Was Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant Relocated to Vantara?
Vantara, a visionary project created by Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, is a state-of-the-art animal welfare center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Backed by Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation, Vantara has become a sanctuary for rescued and rehabilitated animals. However, it became the center of controversy when it relocated Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant from the Jain Mutt Swastishree Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan in Kolhapur to its facility.
According to Vantara’s official statement, the relocation was not initiated by them but was executed following strict legal directives. The Bombay High Court had passed an order, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court of India, mandating Mahadevi’s transfer for her health and welfare. Vantara emphasized that it only acted in compliance with these court orders.
Public Outrage and Political Efforts to Bring Mahadevi Back
— Raju Shetti (@rajushetti) August 2, 2025
Despite the court’s decision, the people of Kolhapur have expressed strong emotional and spiritual concerns. For the residents of Nandini village in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur, Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant is not just an animal but a revered symbol of faith. Her presence at the Jain Mutt was deeply tied to their religious and cultural identity.
Former Member of Parliament Raju Shetti has been vocal in demanding Mahadevi’s return to Kolhapur. He, along with local leaders and villagers, has initiated movements and campaigns to bring her back. Adding to this, Maharashtra Health Minister and Kolhapur’s Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar stated that efforts are actively underway to ensure the elephant’s return.
नांदणी येथील जैन मठातील महादेवी हत्तीण वनतारा येथून परत कोल्हापूर येथे आणण्यासाठी, जिल्ह्याचा पालकमंत्री म्हणून मी कटीबद्ध आहे. लवकरच कायदेशीर प्रक्रिया पूर्ण होईल आणि महादेवी आपल्या घरी परत येईल, असा आम्हाला विश्वास आहे….!#Shivsena #Prakashabitkar #पालकमंत्री… pic.twitter.com/2b7sSxjSpG
— Prakash Abitkar (@abitkar_prakash) August 2, 2025
Abitkar mentioned that during a meeting in Kolhapur, Vantara officials assured cooperation in the process of potentially bringing Mahadevi back to her original home. This indicates a willingness on Vantara’s part to engage in discussions that prioritize the elephant’s welfare while respecting the community’s sentiments.
MPs Lobbying for Mahadevi’s Return at the National Level
The movement has garnered political momentum at both state and national levels. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik and Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Mane, both representing constituencies in Kolhapur, are actively lobbying with the Central Government. They are working on getting an official affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, requesting reconsideration of the relocation decision.
🐘 नांदणीच्या महादेवी हत्तीणीला पुन्हा मठात आणण्यासाठी केंद्रीय वनमंत्री नामदार @byadavbjp जी यांची भेट घेऊन निवेदन दिले. कोल्हापूर जिल्ह्यातील नांदणी येथील श्री जिनसेन भट्टारक पट्टाचार्य महास्वामी मठातील लाडक्या महादेवी हत्तीणीला पुन्हा नांदणीत आणण्यासाठी प्रयत्न करणार आहे. pic.twitter.com/V6jlbs1LMe
— Dhananjay Mahadik (@dbmahadik) July 31, 2025
Dhananjay Mahadik recently met Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, submitting a memorandum that demands Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant’s return to Kolhapur. Their efforts reflect the deep-rooted cultural importance of this elephant in the region and the political unity in supporting the community’s emotional plea.
Massive Public Support and Petition Drive
महादेवी हत्तीणीला परत आणण्याच्या स्वाक्षरी अभियानात आतापर्यंत 2 लाख 4 हजार 421 लोकांनी स्वाक्षरी करून पाठींबा दिला. देशभऱातील लोकांनी दिलेल्या या उत्स्फूर्त प्रतिसादाबद्दल सर्वांचे मन:पूर्वक धन्यवाद!
— Satej (Bunty) D. Patil (@satejp) August 1, 2025
उद्या,शनिवार 2 ऑगस्ट रोजी, सकाळी 9 वा. नांदणी येथील जिनसेन स्वस्तिश्री जैन…
The wave of support for Mahadevi’s return has gone beyond political corridors and reached the grassroots. Congress MLC Satej Patil revealed that over 1.25 lakh people have signed petitions demanding Mahadevi’s return to the Jain Mutt in Nandini. These signed forms are set to be sent to the President of India’s office via speed post from Kolhapur, making it a large-scale public representation.
This mass movement showcases how the Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant is more than an individual being — she symbolizes faith, tradition, and the emotional bond between humans and animals in Indian culture.
Vantara’s Clarification: “We Respect Public Sentiments”
In response to the growing public outcry, Vantara issued a detailed statement addressing the concerns and clarifying their stance. They expressed deep respect for the emotions and spiritual sentiments associated with Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant.
Vantara’s statement highlighted that her relocation was not a voluntary decision by the facility. Instead, it was a compliance measure following the Bombay High Court’s directive, which was later confirmed by the Supreme Court. Vantara emphasized that its role was to ensure Mahadevi’s health and long-term welfare, executed with love, responsibility, and adherence to both legal mandates and animal welfare standards.
The statement further assured the public that Vantara has opened a direct dialogue with the Jain Mutt and Swamiji, seeking a compassionate and unified approach to Mahadevi’s future. All possibilities, including her return to Kolhapur, are being explored under legal and veterinary guidance.
Balancing Legal Orders and Cultural Faith: A Sensitive Dilemma
The Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant relocation case represents a complex intersection of law, animal welfare, religious sentiments, and community identity. On one side, legal and veterinary experts advocate for the elephant’s health and well-being in a professional facility like Vantara. On the other hand, the people of Kolhapur see Mahadevi as a sacred symbol whose presence is integral to their spiritual fabric.
Both sides of the debate agree on one thing — Mahadevi’s well-being is of utmost priority. Vantara’s advanced veterinary facilities and care protocols offer a structured environment for her health. However, the emotional and cultural impact of her absence in Kolhapur cannot be ignored.
The ongoing efforts by political leaders, community members, and Vantara officials indicate a positive approach toward finding a peaceful and respectful resolution. The discussions are now focusing on striking a balance between legal mandates, animal welfare, and respecting the heartfelt sentiments of thousands of devotees.
What Lies Ahead for Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant?
As of now, the decision regarding Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant’s return to Kolhapur remains pending. Continuous discussions between Vantara, Jain Mutt authorities, and legal bodies are in progress. The local leaders are optimistic about a favorable outcome, while Vantara remains committed to ensuring Mahadevi’s welfare in every possible scenario.
This situation serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply intertwined animals are with human emotions, spirituality, and community identities in India. The ultimate goal for all involved remains the same — ensuring Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant’s health, dignity, and emotional well-being, whether in Vantara’s care or back at her spiritual abode in Kolhapur.
Also read:How the Mahadevi Elephant Transfer Sparked a Jio Boycott in Kolhapur
Key Details Table: Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant Relocation Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Elephant’s Name | Mahadevi-Madhuri Elephant |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Original Location | Jain Mutt, Nandini Village, Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
| Current Location | Vantara, Jamnagar, Gujarat |
| Reason for Relocation | As per Bombay High Court & Supreme Court orders |
| Public Sentiment | Strong emotional & spiritual attachment in Kolhapur |
| Political Efforts | MPs and Ministers working on filing affidavit for her return |
| Vantara’s Statement | Relocation done as per court orders, open to dialogue for resolution |
| Petition Support | Over 1.25 lakh signatures from Kolhapur locals |
| Ongoing Developments | Discussions for a peaceful, welfare-centric resolution underway |
