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Elephant calf gifted to Satya Saibaba

Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - ANANTAPUR: An elephant calf aged three years and nine months was presented to Satya Saibaba by Chittoor MP D.K. Adikeshavulu Naidu in Prashanti Nilayam at Puttaparthi in the district last week. Rajarajeshwari temple of Trichy in Tamil Nadu also presented five colourful umbrellas to Saibaba.After the death of Saibaba’s pet elephant Sai Geeta on May 22 there was no elephant with Prashanti Nilayam. It has been a tradition in Prashanti Nilayam to commence all annual festivities with processions led by Sai Geeta.
Accompanied by his family members the Chittoor MP presented the elephant calf covered with silk clothes to Saibaba.

Paying respect

The pachyderm took a bow by kneeling down and raising its trunk in front of Saibaba as a mark of respect.It also touched the feet of Saibaba with its trunk without any instructions. Saibaba fed it with sugarcane and other sweets. The baby elephant was brought from Sonepat in Bihar. Meanwhile, Rajarajeshwari temple presented five colourful umbrellas, used during festivities and rituals in Prashanti Nilayam. While one would be used for the elephant, the remaining four would be used for Saibaba. Sri Satya Sai Central Trust secretary S. Chakravarthy, Srinivasan, R.J. Ratnakar were present on the occasion.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/25/stories/2007072550120200.htm