`Return of Madhuri’ to Nandini Math Is Certain
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Pune, June 17: The return of Madhuri, popularly known as Madhuri the elephant, to Nandani Math in Maharashtra's Kolhapur District appears to be a step closer, with preparations now underway for her rehabilitation and relocation.
According to officials associated with Nandani Math, arrangements are being made jointly by Vantara and the Math authorities to recreate the necessary facilities for Madhuri in the area where she previously resided. A team of experts from Vantara visited Nandani recently to inspect the infrastructure, safety measures, and maintenance requirements needed for the elephant's return.
Once all necessary facilities are completed, efforts will be made to secure the required approvals from the concerned High-Powered Committee (HPC) and facilitate Madhuri's return to the Math.
The development was also confirmed by Jinsen Sansthan Math Nandani through a social media post. The Math stated that significant discussions and inspections regarding Madhuri's rehabilitation and safe return had taken place during the Vantara team's visit.
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The post further noted that positive developments involving the Maharashtra government, Nandini Math, and Vantara have strengthened hopes that Madhuri could return to her beloved Nandani home within the next month.
Describing the elephant as being loved by millions of devotees, the Math expressed hope that Madhuri would soon be seen once again in the premises of Nandani Math, calling her return a victory of the faith and prayers of devotees.The Story So Far
Residents of Nandani village observed a bandh on 25, June 2025 and took out a silent march demanding that Madhuri (Mahadevi), a 36-year-old elephant, remain at Swastishree Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Mutt.
The protest comes after the Bombay High Court ordered the elephant's rehabilitation at Vantara's Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, Gujarat, stating that the animal's welfare must take precedence over religious customs. The Jain Mutt has challenged the order in the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the matter on July 28.
Nearly 7,000 villagers participated in the march, carrying placards and expressing their attachment to the elephant, which they consider part of their tradition. Former MP Raju Shetti, Shirol MLA Rajendra Patil-Yadravkar, and other local leaders also joined the protest. Shetti highlighted the 1,200-year-old history of Nandani Mutt and its significance for devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka.