God's Gate Keeper

Rani is the elephant at Manakular Vinayagar Temple at Pondicherry (Pondy), whom one can see at the entrance of the temple. She has been trained to shower blessings on devotees who offer her money and eatables especially banana. On festivals she is beautifully decorated with colorful, usually red and golden yellow robes and cloth sheets and carries the idols of Lord Ganesha along with the religious processions which pass through prominent streets of Pondy, notable among them is JN Street and MG Road.

Clicked on Aug 09 at Manakular Temple, Pondy during our first visit to the temple.