"Lakshmi, Temple Elephant"

Lakshmi was the young elephant who stood in front of the Ganesha Temple in Pondicherry. She was 15 years old when I met her, and beautifully decorated with paint, ankle bracelets and bells. In exchange for a coin, she will give you a blessing by touching you on the head with the tip of her trunk. The old woman is sweeping the street in front of the temple. This was a very pleasureable time, just standing on the street watching the elephant up close, and the devotees coming to get a blessing. I got one myself before leaving.