Trichy temple elephant gets an exclusive swimming pool

TRICHY: Akila, the elephant of Arulmigu Jambukeswarar temple in Thiruvanaikoil in Trichy city, has received an exclusive swimming pool. The facility was provided to keep the jumbo rejuvenated in the sultry weather.
The pool was built by the Hindu religious and charitable endowment (HR&CE) department during the lockdown period by utilising the fund it got as donations.
The 400-square-foot pool is six feet deep. It was built with materials available within the temple and by employing the temple workers.
The pool in the Nachiyarthoppu garden of the temple will utilise the water drawn from an existing borewell.
Two motors will be used to fill and drain water. The used water will be drained to the temple garden.
Granite stones were used to build a ramp to help the jumbo enter the pool.
“During summer, Akila has to be given a proper bath at least twice a day to keep her healthy. During trial runs in the swimming pool, she refused to come out of it,” Se Mariappan, assistant commissioner, HR&CE, Thiruvanaikoil temple said.