Tamil NaduMonday, 19 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Arunachaleswarar Temple elephant in Tiruvannamalai named Namasivayam in October 2026
On October 19, 2026, ministers named the Arunachaleswarar Temple elephant in Tiruvannamalai as Namasivayam; the elephant had arrived from Assam on September 24.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, at Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, the temple elephant was named Namasivayam in the presence of Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and Ramesh, Collector Vandhana Garg, and HR&CE Joint Commissioner S. Bharanidharan.
Key specifics
- The elephant arrived from Assam on September 24, 2026.
- Before naming, the elephant was called Hiralal.
- Ministers present were Aadhav Arjuna and Ramesh.
- Officials present included Collector Vandhana Garg and S. Bharanidharan, Joint Commissioner, HR&CE (Tiruvannamalai).
- The earlier female elephant Rukumani lived in the temple town for 27 years after being brought from Mudumalai Reserve Forest in 1995.
Exam lens
Tamil Nadu temple administration question: Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, HR&CE, elephant naming, Assam arrival date, Rukumani’s 27-year stay; TNPSC may ask the temple, district, and officials involved.