Legendary Dasara Elephant Arjuna to Get Life-Size Statue in Mysuru

Mysuru’s iconic Dasara elephant Arjuna will soon be honored with a life-size fibreglass statue at his home camp in Balle, HD Kote taluk, within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Forest officials confirmed that the statue’s construction is nearly complete and will be unveiled in early March.

Currently, the Balle elephant camp houses just two elephants, Mahendra and Lakshmi. Renowned Mangaluru-based artist P. Dhananjaya has crafted the statue, with work commencing in October 2024.

Arjuna, a 10-foot-tall, 6,000-kilogram tusker, was a star of the Mysuru Dasara for 22 years, proudly carrying the golden howdah for eight years. Sadly, he passed away in December 2023 during a forest department operation in Sakleshpur to capture wild elephants.

A memorial statue already stands at Sakleshpur, where he took his last breath, but officials believe the new statue at Balle camp will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy. Wildlife activists suggest naming a pro-wildlife initiative after Arjuna to honor his contribution to Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

“Arjuna was the most beloved tusker in the state. His majestic presence captivated many. The forest department should launch a conservation effort in his name,” said activist Sarojini H.S.

Read Also:

• Dasara Elephants Weighed at Historic Mysuru Bridge
• Second Batch of Dasara Elephants Arriving in Mysuru