The Maharashtra government and Vantara have agreed to work together for the safe return of temple elephant Mahadevi, also called Madhuri, to her original home at Nandani Math in Kolhapur.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently met with senior officials from Vantara in Mumbai. The main goal of the meeting was to find a way to bring Mahadevi back that respects both court orders and the strong emotional connection people have with the elephant.
After the meeting, Fadnavis took to social media to share the news. He said that Vantara has agreed to support the government in its efforts. “They assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math,” his tweet said.
I had an extensive discussion with The Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math.
Vantara told… pic.x.com/X75AsYrOIb— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2025
Vantara, during the discussion, made it clear that they took Mahadevi only because the Supreme Court had asked them to. Their role was never about owning the elephant, but simply to take care of her health, behaviour, and overall well-being as per the court’s orders.
Fadnavis also revealed another important detail from the meeting. “The team also showed their willingness to build a rehab centre for Madhuri in Kolhapur near Nandani at a place selected by the Forest Department of Govt of Maharashtra,” he wrote.
For the unversed, Mahadevi lived with the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswamy Sanstha in Nandani, Kolhapur, for more than 30 years. But last month, the Supreme Court agreed with the Bombay High Court’s order to move her to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar.
For many people in Kolhapur, Mahadevi is a spiritual symbol. This joint effort between the government and Vantara is a rare example of how animal welfare and cultural beliefs can come together in harmony.
This shows that Vantara has followed the law and also respected the feelings of the people in Kolhapur. By focusing on Mahadevi’s health, safety, and happiness, Vantara has shown that kindness can go along with understanding people’s emotions and culture.
This joint decision is a special one. It respects both the love people feel and the need to care for animals. It gives peace to the people of Kolhapur and promises a safe and loving future for Mahadevi.