Tue Jul 01 15:27:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article based on that summary:
**Summary:**
The Guruvayur Devaswom in Kerala, India, has begun its annual month-long rejuvenation therapy for its 36 temple elephants at the Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary. This 35+ year old program, formally inaugurated by Revenue Minister K. Rajan, involves a scientifically designed diet, exercise, and Ayurvedic treatments to improve the elephants’ health and well-being. The program includes blood and dung analysis, customized medicinal rice balls, herbal supplements, massages, and specialized bathing. Veterinary experts oversee the process, and past results have shown significant positive health outcomes, including weight gain and improved skin condition. The program is expected to cost ₹12.5 lakh this year.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Elephants Embark on Annual Wellness Journey: Guruvayur Devaswom’s Renowned Rejuvenation Therapy Underway**
**Thrissur, July 1, 2025** – The annual rejuvenation therapy for the majestic elephants of the Guruvayur Devaswom temple has commenced at the Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary, marking the start of a month-long wellness program. Revenue Minister K. Rajan officially inaugurated the initiative on Tuesday by feeding the first medicinal rice balls (oushadha chooru) to Vinayakan and Junior Vishnu, signifying the beginning of the comprehensive care for all 36 elephants under the temple’s care.
The Guruvayur Devaswom has been pioneering this scientific approach to elephant well-being for over 35 years, formalizing a practice that dates back to the Zamorin era. The program is a structured regimen designed to enhance the elephants’ health through specialized herbal diets, physical activity, and Ayurvedic treatments tailored to individual needs.
“This program is vital for ensuring the health and vitality of these magnificent creatures,” stated Guruvayur Devaswom chairman Dr. V.K. Vijayan.
The comprehensive approach includes blood and dung sample analysis to monitor organ function. The elephants receive specially prepared herbal and nutritional diets, regular massages, and dedicated bathing routines. A team of veterinary experts, including Dr. P.B. Giridas, are overseeing the implementation.
Veterinary specialists have reported significant improvements in the elephants’ health following the therapy in previous years, including visible changes in skin condition and weight gains of up to 300 kg. The Guruvayur model is now considered a benchmark for elephant care, with devaswom sources saying others are watching the programme.
The estimated cost of this year’s therapy is ₹12.5 lakh, covering the extensive nutritional and medicinal needs of the 36 elephants. The program relies on key ingredients, including thousands of kilograms of rice, green gram, finger millet, and various herbal supplements.
First Piper 